Ahead of World Blood Donor Day on Sunday, 14 June, CFA members across the state continue to roll up their sleeves as part of the Emergency Services Blood Challenge this month.
A volunteer firefighter who was once in desperate need of donor blood has called on her fellow CFA members across Victoria to get involved and donate if they are able to.
The Challenge, held annually by the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Service, runs from 1 June to 31 August, and encourages emergency service workers to join their team and donate, competing to win the challenge and more importantly, save lives.
Kylie Vernados is a Firefighter at Bolinda & Monegeetta CFA and required three units of red blood cells after severe anaemia impacted her quality of life.
“It was my only option for treatment,” Kylie said.
“Prior to having the blood transfusion, I was really fatigued, low energy, getting short of breath when I was doing very little strenuous activity, irregular heart rates… it was stopping me from doing a lot of things that I really wanted to do.
“It’s made a big, big difference.”
Kylie said while not everyone is able to donate blood; it’s a great way to help others if you can.
“I’d really encourage everyone who can donate to get out there and do it,” she said.
“There are a lot of people like myself who can’t donate, and we’re so grateful for those who can.
“You just never know when you or someone you love may need blood products, so if you can do it – please do.”
One in every three Australians will need blood or blood products in their lifetime, however only one in 30 Australians donate blood each year.
Get your blood pumping
Are you ready for the Emergency Services Blood Challenge?
It’s set to be a big one.
Just give blood or plasma between 1 June – 31 August to get involved.
As usual, competition will be fierce, with Lifeblood Teams across the country warming up to save the most lives.
Even though things are a bit different right now, Australians still need your blood and plasma donations.
You can get a spot on the podium in one of four categories:
- Most donations
- Most new donors
- Most plasma donations
- Highest year-on-year growth
What’s Lifeblood Teams?
Lifeblood Teams brings people together to save lives – they’re made up of people, like you, who care about what’s happening in the world.
Together, they’re transforming the lives of thousands of Australians.
1, 2, 3, Give!
- Register a blood donor account if you don’t already have one – you can register online.
- Join your Lifeblood Team – just follow our step-by-step instructions on how to join a team.
- Book a time to give life. Every donation you make automatically goes towards your team’s tally and the overall drive total!
That’s it. You can check in on the front runners throughout the challenge and see how you measure up.
