South Australian emergency services have united for the 2026 Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Emergency Services Blood Drive, with SA Police, SA Ambulance Service, South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service, SES and many more organisations rolling up their sleeves to take part.
The drive runs for three months from 1 May until 31 July 2026, with a national challenge set to top last year’s total of 14,190 life-giving blood, plasma and platelet donations. More than 1,700 of those were made in South Australia.
Lifeblood spokesperson Cindy Tilley said the participation of emergency services is both inspiring and critical.
“It is inspiring to once again see our emergency services so determined to make a difference to people who need blood products. Their generosity and leadership are invaluable, particularly heading into the cooler months when colds and flu typically lead to greater appointment cancellations and put pressure on blood supplies.”
“We know emergency workers have the community’s best interests at heart, and this is another way they show up and save lives.”
Lifeblood issues close to 10,000 blood products and medications to hospitals around the country every day to meet patient demand. While some patients have ongoing needs including people living with cancer and blood disorders, others may require as many as 100 bags of blood at once after a serious accident or trauma.
SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said the drive reflects the values of those who serve in emergency roles.
“As first responders to emergency situations, we understand donated blood can mean the difference between life and death for people who have been seriously injured or wounded. We don’t think twice about doing our bit to help the community, and one hour in a donor centre is a small time sacrifice for a much greater impact.”
Former South Australia police officer Derrick McManus, who was shot 14 times in five seconds while carrying out an arrest warrant in 1994, knows that impact firsthand.
“I was lying on the ground bleeding for three hours before being rescued. I lost feeling in my limbs and doctors told me I was about 30 seconds away from death. I needed 24 units of donated blood in just seven hours, that’s the equivalent of 24 donations. If it wasn’t for blood donors, I would not be here today.”
Since it began in 2012, Lifeblood’s Emergency Services Blood Drive has collected almost 130,000 donations. With each donation saving up to three lives, that represents up to 390,000 lives saved.
Tilley said the drive is a reminder that the need for blood never stops.
“The reality is the need for blood, plasma and platelets doesn’t stop and every donation helps. I thank everyone in the emergency services sector for their unwavering support. I also urge people in the local community to follow their lead and book an appointment to donate. The simple act of giving can go a long way, not only for patients, but their families too.”
Just over 400 extra donations of type O blood are needed in South Australia this week to meet demand.
To make a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Lifeblood app.
