South Australia Police (SAPOL) has once again joined emergency services partners to rescue winter blood supplies as part of a lifesaving campaign.
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens (pictured, below) this week joined forces with other agencies to launch the 2025 Emergency Services Blood Drive at South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) headquarters.
The blood drive, held annually by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood from 1 June to 31 August, calls on emergency services workers to compete in a special type of battle and make the highest number of blood and plasma donations.
“Our members are always onboard to help others, and I encourage them to continue making a life-changing impact by rolling up their sleeves and donating,” Commissioner Stevens said.
“Police often attend incidents where people have been seriously injured, and we understand firsthand that the need for blood is ongoing.
“I encourage all SAPOL staff and their family members who are able to donate via the South Australia Police Lifeblood team and contribute to this incredible cause.”
Last year overall SAPOL’s Lifeblood team helped save 6381 lives through 2127 donations: 963 blood, 1138 plasma, and 26 platelet.
Through the 2024 Emergency Services Blood Drive alone, SAPOL made 578 donations: 264 blood, 301 plasma, and 13 platelet – helping to save 1734 lives.
Recently, the Bleed 4 Blue Blood Drive from 1 December 2024 to 28 February 2025 also saw SAPOL’s team make 594 donations, helping to save 1782 lives.
In this current drive, SAPOL will compete against SA-based Australian Federal Police, SA Country Fire Service, SA Ambulance Service, St John Ambulance, SA Metropolitan Fire Service, SA Department of Correctional Services, SA State Emergency Service, Royal Flying Doctor Service and Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service – Airservices Australia.
“SAPOL’s efforts last year saw our team keep the state trophy and jump one place up the national leader board,” Commissioner Stevens added.
“We hope anyone in the community who is able to donate will be inspired by the efforts of police and our fellow first responders and will take the short time out of their day to make a lifesaving donation.”
Five metropolitan donor centres: Adelaide (Regent Donor Centre), Marion, Port Adelaide, Noarlunga, and Modbury are open for donations. Pop-up and mobile donor centres are also operating in metropolitan and regional areas.
Only donations made during the challenge period (1 June – 31 August) count towards the tally, however, Lifeblood Teams operate year-round.
To book a donation visit lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95 or download the donate blood app.
