Frontline emergency staff are going the extra mile to save lives this winter, rolling up their sleeves to donate blood and plasma as part of the 2024 Emergency Services Blood Drive.
Minister for Health Ryan Park and Minister for Police Yasmin Catley will today join NSW Ambulance, NSW Police and Fire and Rescue NSW staff at the Lifeblood Sydney Town Hall Donor Centre to donate blood and encourage the community to join them in saving lives this winter, when donations are needed most.
The Lifeblood Emergency Services Blood Drive has been sparking friendly competition between emergency service teams since 2012, with almost 115,000 donations collected since it began.
This year’s challenge has so far seen 2,606 donations of blood and plasma from NSW emergency service teams to provide life-saving treatment to people around the country, helping save up to 7,818 lives.
The Emergency Services Blood Drive runs until 31 August and anyone can take part by picking an emergency services team to join when you make your booking.
To make a booking, visit lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.
Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“Our paramedics, firefighters and police serve and care for the community every single day and see first hand our ongoing need for blood to save lives.
“Blood donations help patients across the state in times of trauma, major surgery, cancer treatment and pregnancy.
“One in three Australians will require blood or blood products in their lifetime but only one in 30 donate, making drives such as this to help boost supplies across the country even more important.”
Minister for Police Yasmin Catley:
“I’m very proud to stand alongside our police and other emergency services staff today who are leading by example, but the call to action is for everyone.
“Donating blood is a quick and easy way to be a hero in your own right.
“By donating blood, you’re joining a tradition of care and community spirit. It’s a small act that changes lives. If you can, I’d encourage you to play your part.”
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:
“When it comes to donating blood, it takes a small amount of time to make a significant impact on someone’s life.
“Emergency services personnel are always there for the community, and through some friendly rivalry between the agencies, we aim to strengthen the blood supply available across NSW and Australia to help those who need it.”
Lifeblood CEO, Stephen Cornelissen:
“Our emergency services personnel know all too well about our ongoing need for blood, being first on the scene at road accidents and other trauma-related incidents.
“Their life-saving efforts don’t stop there. All throughout the year, and especially during the Emergency Services Blood Drive each winter, their generosity continues when they roll up their sleeves and donate their own blood that can be used for numerous life-threatening conditions, including cancer, trauma and during life-saving surgery.
“With demand for blood, plasma and blood products increasing, Lifeblood is so grateful to all the teams who join this critical and generous blood donor community.”