Edmonton first responders donate blood in ‘Sirens for Life’ challenge

Canadian Blood Services needs 450 new donors every day to meet the country’s growing demand nearly double their current intake.

Tuesday morning, Alberta’s first responders once again answered the call for help, filing in at Edmonton’s donation clinic for this year’s Sirens for Life Challenge.

Rolling up his sleeve, hoping to save a life is Deputy Police Chief Warren Dreichel.

“Oftentimes, we don’t appreciate what goes into that, how much blood it takes,” said Dreichel.

Like so many first responders, Dreichel has responded to a lot of emergency calls, seeing firsthand, those who need blood donations.

“Whether it’s the result of an assault, a collision, and oftentimes you can just see right away by the state if an individual they’ve lost blood, you recognize they’re going to be hospitalized, they’re going to require a transfusion,” said Dreichel.

He’s booked up one of the 2,000 appointments at this clinic throughout January. Another appointment belongs to Edmonton’s new fire chief.

He says he’s donated in the past, but not in Canada.

Last year, Canadian Blood Services lifted a mad cow-related ban on certain UK residents donating.

“It’s significant. I was hearing a lady talk about how they’ve been able to get 150,000 additional donors across Canada,” explained David Lazenby, fire chief for the Edmonton Fire Rescue Services.

Also bringing in more donors, a friendly competition between the donation centres in Edmonton and Calgary.

But in Edmonton, it’s firefighters versus police. Seeing what team gives the most, squeezing stress balls to see who can donate fastest.

Clip: chief david lazenby – edmonton fire department

“We have great respect for one another, but we always like to outdo one another. It’s for a great cause, so hey, if a bit of competition helps people in need, why not?” said Lazenby.

Dreichel adding, “It’s been pretty good, I think. I don’t actually know the results, but I’m always thinking we always win.”

This province-wide Sirens for Life Campaign runs until the end of the month, with first responders hoping to encourage others to roll up their sleeves to donate.

According to Canadian Blood Services, 52 per cent of Canadians say they or a family member have needed blood or blood products at some point in their life.