Edmonton first responders donate blood through ‘Sirens for Life’ Alberta challenge

First responders know first-hand the importance of donating blood.

To give back to their communities, many first responders in Edmonton rolled up their sleeves Tuesday for the Sirens for Life Alberta Challenge 2023.

“It’s a great way to start off the new year, and I know when I walk away and go home I can say to my girls when they ask me what I did today, I can say I saved two or three lives today,” said Edmonton Fire Rescue Services Chief Joe Zatylny.

Zatylny says he has participated in the challenge for about seven years and says it’s fun rivalry between fire, police, EMS, and RCMP.

“When it comes to first responders, they are used to giving back and they are used to being selfless so this is another way that as first responders we can do that, and help others in our community. And support those in a time of need, and that’s every day for first responders, and this is no different.

“And this is an exciting way to do it under less stress… a little less stress.”

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services Chief Joe Zatylny giving blood on Jan. 3, 2023. (Credit: CityNews/Laura Krause)

The Sirens for Life Challenge encourages more members of the community to become a donor.

“It’s so great to have the first responders coming in to support us,” said Tianna Doyle, Territory Manager for Canadian Blood Services. “January is a difficult time to collect blood because people could be away on vacation, right now we are seeing a lot of cancellations due to illnesses so having these first responders come in is great. It helps raise awareness and prompts the importance of blood donation at this time.”

“First responders, they see every day the need for blood, they go to everything from car accidents to medical situations where people need help. So it’s very real for first responders,” added Zatylny.

The campaign runs until Jan. 31. Canadian Blood Services says their goal in Edmonton is to collect 4,861 blood and plasma donations, and bring in 306 new donors to support patients now and in the future.