SA emergency services rescue winter blood supplies

South Australia’s (SA) Emergency Service workers will join forces today to donate blood and boost the state’s winter blood supplies.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, together with senior representatives from SA Police, SA Country Fire Service, SA Ambulance Service, St John Ambulance, SA Metropolitan Fire Service, SA State Emergency Services and Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service will roll up their sleeves at Adelaide Donor Centre as part of Lifeblood’s annual Emergency Services Blood Challenge.

Close to 900 donations have already been made in SA since the start of the challenge on 1 June, which sees each agency compete to donate the most blood.

With just three weeks to go until the challenge ends on 31 August, Lifeblood Chief Executive Officer Stephen Cornelissen said now was the time to get involved.

“Covid, colds, flus and extreme weather events continue to sideline many of our regular donors, which means blood donations are needed now more than ever before,” Mr Cornelissen said.

“You don’t need to be an emergency services worker to save lives, but we hope seeing our skilled and committed emergency personnel make the time to join forces and donate blood will inspire others to give.”

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said saving lives was the collective and unified purpose of emergency services.

“Saving lives is in our blood, but we’re stronger when we’re a united force,” Mr Stevens said.

“There’s no better reason to join forces than to give life by donating blood.”

Lifeblood hopes South Australia’s emergency services will save more than 3500 lives this year.

To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood App.