VICSES blood donations almost doubled – and still a month to go in the Blood Challenge!

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VICSES blood donations almost doubled – and still a month to go in the Blood Challenge!

Published 05/08/2020
The 2020 Emergency Services Blood Challenge is two thirds of the way through, and VICSES members are well on their way to eclipsing last year’s total.

Phil Pascall will shave off his beard to get others involved

 

The 2020 Emergency Services Blood Challenge is two thirds of the way through, and VICSES members are well on their way to eclipsing last year’s total.

147 individual VICSES volunteers have made 251 donations so far, an increase of 48% from this time in 2019. The highest number of donations of whole blood, plasma and platelets have been made at the Geelong and Melbourne CBD Donor Centres.

Three lives can be saved by just one blood donation, meaning VICSES members may have helped up to 753 people who have had medical complications, cancer treatment, road trauma injuries and more.

To drive awareness for the challenge, Emerald unit Deputy Controller Phillip Pascall (pictured above) has committed to sacrificing his beloved beard to encourage others to donate. With one month to go, he is confident numbers can grow even higher.

Phillip says, “I have made appointment with Red Cross Lifeblood and will shave my beard, too. The Emergency Service Lifeblood Challenge shows VICSES volunteers, who already tasked with saving life and property all year ‘round, won’t hesitate in going one step further for fellow Victorians.”
 

Emergency service workers and volunteers who want to take part should join a Join Lifeblood Team, and call 13 14 95 or go online to make a blood donation appointment for between 1 June and 31 August. Red Cross Lifeblood centres remain open for business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Donors are reminded that Lifeblood facilities across Victoria are strictly regulated, and always comply with the highest safety and hygiene standards, including extensive cleaning. Read the full update here.