L-R: Constable Jo Wilesmith, Constable Stephen Harris, Inspector Rhys Newton and OIC Gordonvale Police, Sgt Renee Hanrahan ‘Bleeding the Charge’ at the front. Photo by Anna Rogers at The Cairns Post
During these winter months we are asking our members to save lives in a different way – by rolling up their sleeves and donating blood.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is again competing with the Queensland Ambulance Service and the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service for the most amount and the highest percentage of blood donations over the period of June 16 to August 15.
Last year, QPS had the highest number of donations, saving over 350 lives with their 119 blood donations.
Queensland Ambulance Service took out the award for highest number of donation for membership size, with their 68 donations saving over 200 lives.
As well as a bit of friendly camaraderie, the challenge highlights this important cause to the community. Hopefully, we can inspire others to give blood and help save lives.
Cairns emergency services workers and volunteers are currently competing to see who can give the most blood during an eight-week challenge from June 16 to August 15. Our team of First Year Constables hit the blood bank whilst out on a training day recently.
First Year Constables bleeding for a cause. L-R: Constable Marlon Besson, Constable Alice Turnbull, Constable Catherine Boles, Constable Nick Lock and Constable Ben Gadsby
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service’s the Queensland Emergency Services Challenge and we are challenging our local police, fire-fighters, paramedics, emergency response workers and volunteers to face off to see which service bleeds the best.
Const Tom Thiele at Edmonton rolling up his sleeve
Winter is a challenging time for the nation’s blood supply as many donors are unable to attend their appointments due to illness. Australia requires more than 27,000 blood donations each week to ensure we can meet patient demand. The support from our service would ensure blood and blood products are available for those who need it.
Gordonvale Police Station’s Officer in Charge, Sergeant Renée Hanrahan, will be donating blood, together with Inspector Rhys Newton and two constables from the Gordonvale Police Station. By the end of the challenge, all officers from Gordonvale Police Station will have donated.
“The Emergency Services Challenge gives Queensland Police an opportunity to become involved with this great organisation and assist saving peoples lives in a completely different way,” Sergeant Hanrahan said.
Blood Service spokesperson, Sandy Holmes said giving blood took just an hour of your time.
“Every donation helps to save three lives,” she said.
“With one in three Australians needing blood in their lifetime, there’s every chance the lives saved could one day be yours or that of a close friend of family member.
Our emergency services are already in the business of saving lives on a daily basis.
We know Gordonvale Police Station can inspire others to give blood by taking the lead during the Queensland Emergency Services Challenge.
With demand for blood and blood products is set to double over the next decade, it’s important that we find more everyday heroes just like our emergency service workers and volunteers.”
Local police are encouraging all members of community to help out by donating blood.
Donations registered at DonateBlood.com.au will be added to each group’s tally.
To donate, call 13 14 95 or visit DonateBlood.com.au