Emergency service workers come together to give blood as the Sirens for Life 2024 challenge kicks off in Halifax

Emergency service workers come together to give blood as the Sirens for Life 2024 challenge kicks off in Halifax

Emergency service workers in Halifax Regional Municipality are continuing to answer the call to help save more lives as part of this year’s Sirens for Life campaign.

The friendly challenge between Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency, Halifax Regional Police, RCMP, and EHS runs for a set period of time and the life-savers with the most collected donations wins the Sirens for Life trophy.

Canadian Blood Services is asking residents to join Canada’s Lifeline by donating blood in support of their local emergency services teams.

Emergency service workers often see the need for blood firsthand. Just one person who is seriously injured in a car crash could need as many as 50 blood donations to help save their life.

The main types of blood donation include:

* whole blood donation – a standard donation, consisting of plasma, red and white blood cells, platelets, antibodies and other components

* plasma donation – also known as apheresis. Plasma is separated from the other components by a special machine, and the red blood cells are returned to the donor in cycles throughout the donation

* platelet donation – known as plateletpheresis. This is done in a similar way to plasma donation, but both the red cells and plasma are returned to the donor

Canadian Blood Services is asking local residents to lend their arm by donating blood in support of their local emergency services teams.

First responders are helping save even more lives by donating blood and raising awareness about the ongoing need for donors as a part of our Sirens for Life partnership.

First responders often see the need for blood first-hand in their day-to-day duties.

We are inviting new and returning donors to join emergency workers rolling up their sleeves to give blood and help boost our national blood supply.

Finding a donor centre location and booking an appointment has never been easier for donors on-the-go with the new GiveBlood app and the blood.ca website.