St John NT is once again rolling up its sleeves literally as part of the annual Lifeblood Emergency Services Blood Drive, running from June 1 to August 31.
This year, the Territory’s emergency services including NT Police, NT Fire and Emergency Services, St John NT, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service are united in a friendly but determined competition to beat last year’s local total of 118 donations. The goal for 2025: a life-saving 140.
For St John NT Director Ambulance Services Andrew Thomas, the campaign is both a challenge and a cause close to home.
“We see the demand for blood and plasma every day in trauma, surgery, childbirth, and medical emergencies,” Mr Thomas said.
“Donating is something anyone can do to help and if we can top the tally while we do it, all the better.”
The three-month drive aims to boost blood and plasma stocks during winter, when cold and flu season causes many donors to cancel appointments. With demand continuing to rise nationally, Lifeblood says the need for new and returning donors is more urgent than ever.
Lifeblood Relationship Manager Zoe Ross, praised the commitment shown by emergency services partners and emphasised the need.
“Every day, we issue close to 10,000 blood products and medications to hospitals around the country to meet patient demand,” Zoe said.
“We rely on the generosity of donors to help people undergoing cancer treatment, living with blood disorders, women giving birth, people who’ve been involved in accidents, surgery patients and more. One patient may need as many as 100 bags of blood in a serious accident.”
A blood appointment takes about an hour, with the donation itself only lasting up to 10 minutes, and blood can be donated every three months. A plasma appointment takes about 90 minutes, with 40 minutes in the donor chair, and donations of plasma can be made every fortnight.
To make a donation, call 13 14 95 or book online at lifeblood.com.au.
