Hastings members give the gift of life

Members of Hastings Fire Brigade giving the gift of life at the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Donor Centre in Frankston, on 26 July 2024.

 

Volunteers from Hastings Fire Brigade gave the gift of life last week, donating blood as part of the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood 2024 Emergency Services Blood Drive.

 

The group rallied after being inspired by the efforts of CFA’s Western Port Group, rallied together by Community Safety Officer Ally Smith. 

Hastings brigade member Jonathan Rendell said ten members rolled up their sleeves to donate blood and plasma, including six first-time donors. 

“We wanted to come together and drive as many donations as possible within the group and across the state,” Jonathan said. “We are calling on all the other brigades in the group to join the team, and for volunteers across the state to surge their donating before the end of the drive." 

The Emergency Services Blood Drive runs from 1 June to 31 August each year, with emergency service personnel encouraged to get behind the good cause and donate to save lives. 

Australia needs approximately three blood donations every minute - over 1.7 million donations per year. Blood donations can save up to three lives, and plasma is used in 18 life-giving treatments, from brain disorders to severe burns. 

“I’m a British expat, so I first started donating after the change in the ‘mad cow’ rule in 2022,” said Jonathan, who is also a Lifeblood Team Champion for the Navy. “I had wanted to donate ever since deploying to Afghanistan with British Armed Forces in 2011. 

“Recently my wife has been diagnosed with cancer and is having chemotherapy, so now I have an even more personal reason to donate.”. 

The Hastings donors were welcomed for a group donation at the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Donor Centre in Frankston on 26 July, where six donated whole blood and four gave plasma. 

Jonathan reflected that donating blood is a form of giving back to the community – not unlike volunteering with CFA. 

“The CFA members who have volunteered to give blood today are so inspiring, because they are not only volunteering to protect their communities and save life on the fire ground, but they are giving their blood to save lives too,” said Jonathan. 

“We are currently only 400 donations behind Victoria Police. I think we can give them a run for their money before 31 August and save a whole lot of lives in the process.” 

To check eligibility and book a donation, visit www.lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95. Bookings can also be managed via the Lifeblood ‘Donate Blood’ app. CFA members in the Western Port Group should join the team ‘Country Fire Authority (VIC) Western Port Group’. Team champions can be assigned and manage group bookings through the Regional Partnership team on 1300 88 65 24. 

 

Submitted by	Jonathan Rendell