Blood pumping through the North West

The annual three-month Emergency Services blood drive encourages members to donate blood as part of their organisation’s team.  

Sandra Ramsay from the Mia Mia Fire Brigade has been donating blood on and off for around three decades and said it was a no brainier to take part in the drive.  

"I have recently just done my 22nd donation,” Sandra said. 

“I began donating blood in my mid 30s and although life happens and gets in the way sometimes, I have always returned to the chair. 

“I know every time I sit down to donate blood I am helping someone. 

“I have also had family members that have required blood donations so there’s that personal connection too.”   

Sandra has been involved with CFA for eight years and said the blood drive was just an extension of her giving back to her community.  

“One thing I really love about Lifeblood is once you donate blood you get a text saying where it is going,” Sandra said. 

“My recent donations ended up at St Vincents hospital in Melbourne and in the Royal Adelaide Hospital so it really shows you how far reaching your impact can be. 

“In the CFA we are helping the community anyway so this is one small extra thing we can do to help out even more.” 

Other CFA members around the district have also been busy rolling up their sleeves for the cause. 

Assistant Chief Fire Officer for District 02 Bryan Suckling said he was proud to have such enthusiastic participation across the district.  

“It is great to see so many members giving back to their community in another way on top of their CFA volunteering,” Bryan said.   

Lifeblood is currently in need of blood types O and A to stop them falling to critical levels but anyone with any blood type is encouraged to give if they can.  

You don’t need to know your blood type to donate, you can simply make an appointment and Lifeblood will take care of the rest.   

To find your nearest donor centre, visit www.lifeblood.com.au/donor-centre.