EMERGENCY services workers and volunteers are competing to see who can give the most blood during an eight-week challenge from June 16 until August 15.
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The Blood Service’s NSW Emergency Services Challenge will see local police, firefighters, paramedics and emergency response workers and volunteers face off to see which group can save the most lives.
NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members donated blood on Tuesday at the Mobile Blood Service van when it was in Bega as part of the challenge.
Tathra RFS member Lance Hartley gave blood on Tuesday, something he does regularly.
“Our small team make it a regular event to donate together when the Blood Service comes to Bega, this time we are encouraging other NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers to donate and really make a difference,” he said.
Tarraganda RFS volunteer Jake Spears was lining up for his first time in the chair.
"I've thought about it before, but just hadn't got around to it before now," he said.
Blood Service spokeswoman Sally Gavin said giving blood took just an hour of your time.
“Every donation helps to save three lives,” she said.
“With one in three Australians needing blood in their lifetime, there’s every chance the lives saved could one day be yours or that of a close friend of family member.
“Our emergency services are already in the business of saving lives on a daily basis.
“We know Bega Valley NSW Rural Fire Service members can inspire others to give blood by taking the lead during the Emergency Services Challenge.”
“With one in three people needing blood in their lifetime, it’s important that we find more everyday heroes just like our emergency service workers and volunteers.”
The Blood Service will present two trophies at the end of the challenge, one to the service with the most donations and another to the service with the highest percentage per capita.
Donations registered at donateblood.com.au/clubred will be added to each group’s tally.
With the challenge almost at an end, NSW Police is leading the tally, followed by NSW RFS, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW State Emergency Services (SES) and NSW Ambulance.
The total number of emergency services donations so far is 750 combined, saving an estimated 2250 lives.
To donate, call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au.
