The annual Emergency Services Blood Challenge 2020 has wrapped up and ACT Policing have come out on top with the most donations in the ACT.
The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Challenge ran from 1 June to 31 August, with emergency service organisations getting involved nationwide.
Chief Police Officer for the ACT, Neil Gaughan said local police had been getting involved in the cause for the past six years.
“The Emergency Services Blood Challenge is tremendously important to ACT Policing and is a cause I support deeply,” he said.
“Every day, police are out on the road and in our community saving lives. Donating blood as part of the Emergency Services Blood Challenge gives us the opportunity to save lives in a different way.
“Police and other emergency services have a unique perspective on the importance of donating blood, given the trauma they can witness firsthand through the course of their duties.”
A total of 31,000 donations of both blood and plasma are required across Australia each week to help patients in times of trauma, major surgery, cancer treatment, pregnancy and a host of other situations.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood have reported that numbers have been slightly down during the pandemic.
ACT Policing beat out their AFP National colleagues based in the national capital as well – which came as a sweet bonus.
“ACT Policing members have been rolling up their sleeves to participate in the challenge, which is a testament to the dedication our members hold in helping the community any way they can,” Officer Gaughan said.
“Through the course of the 2020 Challenge, 78 ACT Policing members made 139 total donations, potentially saving 417 lives.
“This is especially impressive as we increased our 2019 total of 114 donations, and this year finished in first place with the most donations in the ACT – ahead of our Canberra-based AFP National colleagues, no less.”
To make an appointment to give blood or plasma, visit lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95 or download the Donate Blood app.
