Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedics and staff are rolling up their sleeves for a vital cause, donating blood, plasma and platelets as part of the Emergency Services Blood Drive.
The annual blood drive by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood runs throughout winter, ending on August 31.
Blood, plasma and platelets are required to treat a number of conditions, including cancer and blood diseases, heart surgery, and for pregnant women.
Ambulance Victoria Metropolitan Directors Regional and Clinical Operations Vanessa Gorman and Michael Georgiou at the blood drive launch.
AV Metropolitan Director Regional and Clinical Operations Michael Georgiou said blood products are also crucial in pre-hospital care and the blood drive is a good reminder to first responders to donate.
"Our paramedics use blood to treat patients in certain life-threatening emergencies, including road incidents and other major trauma," he said.
"Having access to blood supplies is often crucial to give our patients the best chance of survival.
"We know how important blood, plasma and platelet supplies are, so the Emergency Services Blood Drive is a great opportunity for each of us to roll up our sleeves and save lives in a different way."
The Emergency Services Blood Drive encourages donations from regular and new donors who work in emergency services, to show what can be achieved together.
Emergency services are teaming up to donate blood, plasma and platelets this winter.
The drive was officially launched at Lifeblood's Melbourne Donor Centre on Wednesday 5 June, with Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police, Fire Rescue Victoria, CFA, Emergency Management Victoria, Triple Zero Victoria, SES and the Emergency Services Foundation taking part alongside AV.
AV Metropolitan Director Regional and Clinical Operations Vanessa Gorman said she hopes AV's paramedics and staff rise to the challenge this year.
"Donating blood only takes one hour and makes such a significant impact," she said.
"Each blood donation can save up to three lives and one in three Australians will need donated blood in their lifetime.
"I urge everyone at AV, as well as the broader community, to check their eligibility to donate and to make an appointment at their nearest donor centre."
Last year, the Emergency Services Blood Drive saw almost 14,000 donations made.
You can register to donate or find a donor centre near you.
