Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers across the state are rolling up their sleeves to donate blood and plasma as part of the annual Emergency Services Lifeblood Drive (1 May to 31 July).
QPS officers made an incredible 658 donations during last year’s Lifeblood Drive, earning the title of Queensland’s leading emergency service for blood donations, helping to save countless lives in the process.
This year QPS officers are determined to continue the friendly rivalry with other emergency services and together, contribute to the good cause.
Senior Constable Darin Carruthers has been in the QPS for 36 years and having attended many frontline emergencies, knows just how critical blood can be to save lives.
He has the rare blood type of AB negative, which he shares with about one percent of Queensland’s population.
“Every blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives so by participating in the drive I’m helping to keep other Queenslanders safe,’’ Senior Constable Carruthers said.
First-year constable Amber Johnson, 22, was nervous about being a first-time donor but was pleased she could contribute and wants to encourage community members to give blood as a simple, but powerful way to help others.
“As a QPS officer, helping people is at the core of what I do every day, so taking part in the Emergency Services Drive is another way I can help outside of my frontline duties,’’ Constable Johnson said.
“Being a first-time donor has been a positive experience, and it feels rewarding knowing that such a small act can make a real difference to someone’s life, and I hope to continue to donate regularly.’’
To find out more about giving blood, visit the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood website at www.lifeblood.com.au to find your nearest donation centre.
