Members of the Edmonton Police Service, Fire Rescue, and EMS teamed up with Canadian Blood Services to launch the eighth annual Sirens for Life blood donor challenge.
Sirens for Life is the annual, friendly competition between Edmonton’s and Calgary’s emergency services to see which city can bring in the most blood donors in January.
Family and friends of members, along with the public, are also encouraged to participate.
The 2010 goal is to collect 5,800 units of blood in the Edmonton area during the challenge, which runs from Jan. 4 to 31. That’s enough blood to help 17,400 patients in need.
“People think blood is only needed for traumatic events like big accidents. But people need blood on a day-to-day basis,” said Const. Jay Reinelt, School Resource Officer with the EPS.
Reinelt’s daughter required a blood transfusion when she was only three days old. Without it, she probably would not be the happy three-and-a-half-year-old she is today. His son also required blood products, which are processed from whole blood donations.
Reinelt said he was a sporadic donor before, but after seeing the need firsthand he’s become a regular donor. He encourages everyone to get out and donate.
Calgary won the challenge last year, so Canadian Blood Services is asking all eligible people to donate blood on behalf of Sirens for Life.
Call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) for blood donor clinic information, eligibility information, or to book an appointment. Or visit them online.