Blood and plasma can be vital to survival following trauma. Every time you give blood, you can save up to three lives.

The 2022 Red Cross Lifeblood Winter Blood Challenge for Emergency Services launched this week: a friendly competition between all emergency services agencies in Australia to see who can donate the most blood and blood products before the end of August.

Here in the ACT, ACT Policing and the ACT Emergency Services Agency have a good-natured rivalry to see which agency can take the title for most donations, most new donors, most plasma donations, highest year-on-year growth (across all competition categories).

With just two days’ supply in reserve, and one in two donors cancelling appointments right now, the challenge has come at a crucial moment for Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.

Members of the community can also nominate an emergency service if they would like their donation attached to that team.

Mick Gentleman, ACT Minister for Policing and Emergency Services, said Red Cross Lifeblood needs blood each and every day so that health services can save lives, but it all relies on the goodwill of people who take the time to roll up their sleeves.

“While the need for blood never stops, with the cold weather, COVID-19, and ’flu season upon us, securing enough blood donations is particularly challenging at the moment. 

“I thank our emergency services personnel for their continued service to our community in stepping up to give blood, and for their sense of fun in doing so through a friendly competition.”