Canadian Blood Services has partnered with local police and emergency service workers for the 12th annual ‘Sirens for Life’ blood donor campaign which was launched Tuesday.

The campaign’s theme, ‘Someone still needs your help’ invites all residents of Red Deer and area to take part in Sirens for Life by donating blood at their local clinic in support of their emergency services teams.

The campaign, which will run the month of January, invited emergency service workers to donate blood in hopes of sparking other members of the community to do the same.

Members of the community, the Red Deer RCMP and the Red Deer Emergency Services were on scene donating blood to help the clinic reach the goal of 1,400 Red Deerians by the end of the month.

Tanya Paul, community development coordinator for the Red Deer Blood Donor Clinic, explained that, “Emergency service workers often see the need for blood firsthand.

“Just one person who is seriously injured in a car accident could need as many as 50 blood donations to help save their life.”

She explained further that there are many people involved when an emergency occurs including the 911 dispatcher who takes the call, the officer who secures the scene, the firefighter who pulls the victim from the car, the paramedic who stabilizes and transports the victim and the medical staff who treat the victim.

Const. Jeff Hewitt was one of many RCMP officers in attendance and explained that he has been donating blood for over 10 years now and tries to make it to the clinic two or three times a year. “Blood really is in you to give and it’s such an easy way to save someone’s life,” he said.

Mayor Tara Veer also attended the campaign launch urging residents to get involved with the cause.

“Our employees on the front line, through way of RCMP, emergency services, ambulance and fire and rescue, see many instances where local blood donation has saved local lives,” she said. “It’s a very simple process that we can all go through to help save lives and make an impact in our community.”

Veer understands the need for blood first hand as she explained that when she was born her mother needed six units of blood after labour due to blood loss.

Veer added that, “It really does have a direct life and death impact and it’s an opportunity for us to make a difference in our community.”

Those wishing to donate can call 1-888-2-donate.

jswan@reddeerexpress.com