Known for their life-saving efforts during emergencies, NSW State Emergency Service (SES) members are joining a different kind of rescue mission this winter – bolstering blood supplies.
NSW SES Members from across the State will be rolling up their sleeves and donating blood to save lives as part of Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s annual Emergency Services Blood Drive.
Launched today (Tuesday 3 June) at the Sydney Town Hall Donor Centre, NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Damien Johnston led by example, donating blood alongside representatives from several emergency services across the state.
“NSW SES has supported the blood drive challenge for many years, and last year our volunteers donated almost 571 times, an estimated 1,713 lives,” Deputy Commissioner Johnston said.
“We’re hoping to beat that this year, to do our bit to assisting the 1 in 3 Australians who require donated blood in their lifetime.”
The campaign, running from June-August, aims to increase blood supplies, especially crucial during the winter months when donations typically dwindle due to seasonal illnesses.
Last year, emergency services personnel accounted for 14,410 blood donations during the annual challenge.
“It’s a bit of friendly competition with our emergency service partners to rally the highest number of blood donations,” Deputy Commissioner Johnston said.
“Our NSW SES volunteers are always ready to help, be it floods, storms, rescues or searches for missing people.”
"By donating blood, our volunteers extend their support to the local community in yet another selfless act.”
Individuals interested in participating can schedule an appointment at their nearest Australian Red Cross Blood Service donor centre by calling 13 14 95 or booking online.