Emergency Services continue to give back to the community through winter blood donation challenge
A firefighter from Melbourne’s south east is donating more than just her time to help the community after a near-death experience — and you can help too.
South East
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A Devon Meadows volunteer firefighter rolled up her sleeve to give back to others after her own near-death experience.
When Carly Damman was giving birth in 2015, she suffered complications during an emergency caesarean.
While on life support for 11 days, Ms Damman’s recovery was assisted greatly by donated blood.
“After being put on life support, I received a number of blood transfusions,” she said.
“When I woke up, I really wanted to give back to the community and to those people that helped me.”
Ms Damman decided to donate blood to help others in similar situations to her.
“I saw the importance of being able to donate blood and to give donations to help others who get sick unexpectedly and do need blood or plasma,” she sad.
This year, Ms Damman is taking part in the Emergency Services Blood Challenge for the first time.
“I’d seen the challenge advertised and thought it would be really nice to work alongside my fellow fireys, just like we do on the fireground,” she said,
The Emergency Services Blood Challenge runs from until August 31. CFA members, their friends and family can all join team CFA, with the overall goal to tally up as many blood, plasma or platelet donations as possible throughout the three-month period.
“I would encourage anyone who is even thinking about doing it to get down to a local donation centre,” Ms Damman said.
“It’s something that takes so little time out of your day that can literally save another person’s life.”
The challenge comes at a time when blood banks are crying out for new donors, Lifeblood spokesperson Jennifer Salter said.
“This challenge is vital to helping the one in three Australians who will need donated blood this winter,” she said,
“We continue to see one in two donors cancelling or not attending appointments, as colds, flu, Covid and other factors sideline donors.”
Lifeblood is looking to fill 2500 appointments just in Victoria over the next week.
“We need all blood types but are especially keen to hear from donors with O negative blood, (the universal blood type used in emergencies),” Ms Salter said.
“Each blood donation travels on average 370km from the donor to the patient. So when you donate blood, you could be helping someone from your local community, or someone on the other side of the country.”
Every week, 33,000 donations are needed in Australia.
To donate call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au.
gemma.scerri@news.com.au
