Australian police officers witness firsthand the critical need for blood donations in the aftermath of traumatic incidents. This direct experience has now fuelled a major national summer campaign, where law enforcement personnel are leading by example and urging the public to join them.
The Stabbing That Sparked a Lifesaving Movement
The Bleed4Blue initiative was born from a harrowing event in January 2018. Detective Sergeant John Breda was stabbed during a police operation in Maroubra, Sydney. In the fight for his life, he lost nearly 12 litres of blood and required more than 100 bags of donated blood from the community supply.
His survival became a powerful catalyst. Police forces across the country partnered with Red Cross Lifeblood to create Bleed4Blue, a challenge encouraging officers and their communities to donate blood and plasma.
Newcastle Police Roll Up Their Sleeves
At the Lifeblood centre in Broadmeadow, Newcastle Police District officers, including Acting Superintendent Grant Erickson, recently donated plasma to kick off their local efforts. The campaign runs nationally from December 1 to February 28, with states and territories competing to see who can make the most donations.
Acting Superintendent Erickson highlighted the direct link police see between donations and survival. "In policing, you see the worst of everything," he said. "You see a lot of trauma, and whether it's Christmas Day or New Year's Day, blood supplies are required right across this country."
He emphasised that donating is a straightforward way for officers to give back to the communities they serve, describing the donor experience positively. "You're treated like royalty as soon as you come through the door," Erickson noted, adding that the session concludes with refreshments like sausage rolls and milkshakes.
Record Demand as Festive Season Approaches
The push comes at a crucial time. Lifeblood spokesperson Hannah Rayment confirmed that blood demand is at a 12-year high, with plasma also in record demand ahead of the Christmas and New Year period.
The statistics are stark: one in three Australians will need blood or blood products in their lifetime. Since its inception in 2018, the Bleed4Blue campaign has contributed over 30,000 blood and plasma donations to help meet this ongoing need.
Acting Superintendent Erickson encouraged everyone to consider donating, especially during the busy festive season when emergency services are stretched. "That's just one example of myriad across Australia, and highlights the importance of donating blood," he said, referring to Detective Sergeant Breda's case.
To book a donation and potentially save a life, you can call 13 14 95, visit the website at lifeblood.com.au, or use the Lifeblood app.
