COUNTRY Fire Authority (CFA) members from across the state have saved over 2,800 lives through their participation in this year's Emergency Services Blood Drive. Team CFA contributed 339 whole blood donations, 593 plasma donations, and 29 donations of platelets, totalling 961 donations and beating our total from last year. CFA’s efforts bought them in at fourth place. Victoria Police took out the top spot again this year with a total of 1408 donations, followed by the NSW Police force with 1394 donations, and Tasmania’s Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management team who came in third with 1189 total donations. Each year, Lifeblood hosts a three-month blood drive dedicated to emergency services teams, uniting them in the shared mission to save lives. Blood, plasma and platelets are required to treat a number of conditions, including cancer and blood diseases, heart surgery and for pregnant women. Blood is also used by paramedics to treat patients in certain life-threatening emergencies. CFA Chief Officer, Jason Heffernan AFSM, said it was great to see CFA staff and members take up the blood drive challenge once again this year. “We have amazing members who jump at the chance to help others,” Jason said. “Whether it is through fighting fires or rolling up their sleeves to give blood both our volunteers and our staff are always ready to support their communities. “I am extremely proud of CFA’s collective effort in saving 2883 lives in this year’s Emergency Services Blood Drive.” In a final push towards the finish line, CFA staff participated in a group donation on Tuesday, July 28 which saw 15 generous staff members head to the Mt Waverly donation centre to contribute. CFA Brigade Administration Support Officer, Lukasz Lipnicki, took part in the staff donation and said it was a great way to get involved. “Working for CFA means we spend a lot of time supporting those on the front line, this is a great way for us to step up and in a way join our volunteers on the front line of supporting the community,” Lukasz said. “I encourage anyone who is able to take part next year to get involved.” CFA encourages the community to donate all year round. Please visit the Lifeblood website to find a donation centre near you at lifeblood.com.au/donors/blood-plasma-platelets
