NSW Police roll-up their sleeves for sixth annual 'Bleed4Blue' blood drive

Wednesday, 04 December 2024 09:15:43 AM

Officers across the state are doing their part to help save lives by donating blood as part of the Bleed4Blue 2024 campaign – to help ensure Lifeblood has the critical blood stock levels for the festive season.

The Minister for Police and Counter Terrorism, the Hon Yasmin Catley MP and Deputy Commissioner Metropolitan Field Operations, Peter Thurtell APM, will address the media today about the three-month law enforcement-focused blood drive.

Established in 2018 in partnership with the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, this year’s drive commenced on Sunday 1 December 2024 and will run over the three-months of summer.

As NSW Police Force officers strive to beat last year’s record in donations, Minister Yasmin Catley said the challenge is one of the nation’s largest blood drives.

“Police and other first responders understand better than anyone the life-saving power of blood. Every day, officers see firsthand how vital these donations are.

“Now in its sixth year, the Bleed4Blue blood drive has donated 25,000 bags of blood, saving many lives. This reflects the dedication of those who serve our community.

“With blood demand at its highest in 12 years, the need is urgent. Donating can make a real impact and I encourage everyone to join police in supporting this important cause,” Minister Catley said.

Deputy Commissioner Metropolitan Field Operations, Peter Thurtell APM, joined the Minister and police officers from across the Sydney metropolitan area to roll up their sleeve and donate.

“Across the state, officers will roll up their sleeves to donate blood during what is a critical time for blood stock levels over the summer months,” Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said.

“Police are often called to help save lives as they perform their duties and this Bleed4Blue campaign is an extension of that spirit of service that is a part of police DNA.

“We would love the community to support our efforts to donate the much-needed blood and plasma supplies. We know the need for blood never stops,” Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said.

Last year NSW Police Force contributed 594 blood donations to the drive, which equates to 1,784 lives saved.

Each week, at least 33,000 donations are needed nationwide to meet demand as hospitals manage presentations in areas such as cancer patients, trauma victims and new babies.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s Steve Eldridge, Director Donor Relations, said while the organisation was thrilled with the response to Lifeblood's recent appeal, the need for blood is ongoing.

“The need for blood never takes a break and donated blood will be required every day between now and Christmas to treat many sick and seriously ill people across Australia,” Mr Eldridge said.

“December is the time for all of us to do what police do so well – roll up our sleeves and lend an arm when it’s most needed.

“Whether you’re a police officer, or you know someone who has needed a life-saving blood product, or you just have some extra time in your day, find your reason to donate this holiday season,” he said.

The ‘Bleed4Blue’ campaign runs until the end of February 2023 and will again challenge police from across Australia to take part to see which state or territory can donate the most blood.

For more information on donating visit https://www.donateblood.com.au/bleed-4-blue.

AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS BLOOD SERVICE INFORMATION

• O-Negative is always in high demand – it is the universal type given to patients in emergency situations.

• As is plasma, a type of blood donation needed by thousands of Australians battling trauma, chronic illness, burns and infectious diseases.

• With one in three of us needing donated blood in our lifetime, the life you help save could even be that of a loved one or colleague.

• 14 million Australians are eligible to give blood but only 500,000 actively do so.

Blood donation basics

• One in three Australians will need blood or blood products in their lifetime

• One blood donation can save up to three lives

• Australia needs almost 33,000 donations every week to meet demand

• Giving blood takes only one hour of your time and it can save up to three lives

• There is no substitute for blood, and we need blood of every type, every day to save the lives of thousands of Australians

• The Blood Service needs to collect more than 1.6 million donations every year to meet patient demand

• If you are aged between 18-76 years and are feeling well you may be eligible to donate blood

• Please call 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au to make an appointment.

Blood is surprisingly versatile and the blood you donate can be made into 22 different medical treatments. Donated blood is used for:

• 34% goes to people with cancer and blood diseases

• 19% other causes of anaemia

• 18% goes to surgical patients, including open heart and burns

• 4% goes to pregnant women, new mothers and young children

• 2% goes to trauma patients, including road accidents

DID YOU KNOW?

• Donated blood has a shelf-life of five-days, making it a serious challenge to meet medical demand for accidents and other trauma during the Christmas and New Year holiday period

• You can help relieve the pressure – and save someone in need – by donating anytime, but especially during the upcoming holiday period

• Donor centres are open every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

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