By Tyler Wright
A Gembrook CFA volunteer firefighter is giving big for the 2022 Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Emergency Services Blood Challenge.
So far, CFA (Vic) is predicted to have saved 1149 lives as part of the initiative running from Wednesday 1 June and Wednesday 31 August.
3rd Lieutenant Brian Somers donated whole blood at a donor service in Narre Warren as part of this year’s challenge; an act of giving not uncommon for the Dandenong Ranges resident who began donating at the age of 16.
“My family’s always been involved with helping charities…it was one of those things to do to help people,” Brian said.
“I get a bit of a warm fuzzy feeling [donating blood] – and you get a free cup of tea and a couple of bikkies afterwards,” he said.
The annual Australia-wide initiative run by the Australian Red Cross encourages community members to join a Lifeblood Team representing either Victoria Police, SES, Fire Rescue Victoria, Ambulance Victoria.
Each plasma or blood donation will be counted and a spot on the podium for each of these categories is on offer; most donations, most plasma donations, most new donors and highest year-on-year growth.
In 2021, CFA volunteer staff, friends and family across Victoria donated 1,209 times; including 451 whole blood, 719 plasma and 37 platelet donations.
These donations had the potential to save a total 3,627 lives.
Donated red blood cells are given to certain patients with cancer and blood diseases, stomach and kidney diseases, anaemia and many more and plasma donations can be used to treat 18 different medical conditions including serious burns and brain and nerve diseases.
Plasma is also used to support people with cancer through their chemotherapy treatment.
Brian said other members of the Gembrook Fire Brigade and colleagues at his work have given blood as part of this year’s competition.
“Most people who know me know I can be fairly competitive…so anything I can do to encourage the team to beat the other emergency services – I like to encourage that,” Brian said.
In 2022, the challenge was officially launched on Thursday 2 June at the Melbourne Donor Centre in the CBD.
Currently, Victoria Police are at the top of the leader board with 561 total donations, and the CFA (Vic) are sitting at third place with 383 donations.
“I encourage everyone to get on board and roll up your sleeves, get yourself down as a CFA supporter or member and help us win,” Brian said.
To add to the tally and help save lives, or to learn more, visit https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood/donate-as-a-group/blood-challenges/emergency-services-blood-challenge.
