Emergency services workers are rolling up their sleeves in Newcastle today as Australian Red Cross Lifeblood's annual Emergency Services Blood Drive continues, with senior officers leading by example at a local donor centre.
Running from 1 May to 31 July each year, the Emergency Services Blood Drive brings together frontline emergency services personnel in a friendly national competition to deliver the highest number of blood donations.
Since the campaign began on Friday 1 May 2026, emergency services across Australia have already contributed 4,571 donations, helping to save an estimated 13,713 lives.
Today (Thursday 28 May 2026), senior representatives from NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and Fire and Rescue NSW will donate at a mobile Lifeblood donor site in Charlestown, reinforcing their ongoing commitment to community safety and wellbeing.
Inspector Lisa Jones, attached to Lake Macquarie Police District, played a key role in coordinating the multi-agency donation, rallying senior officers including NSW Police Force Superintendents Tracy Chapman APM and Kylie Endemi APM to donate alongside NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Luke Wiseman and Fire and Rescue NSW Chief Superintendent Matthew Waldon.
Lake Macquarie Police District Commander, Superintendent Tracy Chapman APM:
"Police are committed to protecting life, not just in emergencies but through proactive actions like blood donation. It only takes a short time to give blood, but the impact is life-saving."
"We're proud to stand alongside our emergency services colleagues and the community to support such an important cause."
Newcastle City Police District Commander, Superintendent Kylie Endemi APM:
"This initiative showcases the teamwork and camaraderie that exists not only within policing, but right across all emergency services."
"There's a real sense of pride in contributing to something that supports people in need beyond our day-to-day duties."
NSW Ambulance Associate Director Clinical Operations Chief Superintendent Luke Wiseman:
"Our paramedics see firsthand how vital blood products are in emergency and hospital settings, from trauma incidents to complex medical cases."
"Every donation helps ensure paramedics, clinicians and other medical teams have access to life-saving resources when time is critical."
Fire and Rescue NSW Chief Superintendent Matthew Waldon:
"Emergency services are proud to lead by example, but maintaining Australia's blood supply is a shared responsibility."
"We encourage anyone who is eligible – particularly those with O negative blood – to make an appointment and help save lives."
Lifeblood Donor Engagement Relationship Manager Brian Bruce:
"Every day, patients across Australia rely on blood and plasma donations for surgery, cancer treatment, trauma care and managing chronic conditions. While it's fantastic to see emergency services leading the way, we need ongoing support from the broader community to ensure we can meet demand."
"O negative is the universal blood type and is critical in emergencies when there's no time to determine a patient's blood group. We're urging anyone who can donate – especially those with O negative blood – to book an appointment as soon as possible."
"If you've never donated before, now is a great time to start. It's a simple process and each donation can help save up to three lives."
The Emergency Services Blood Drive continues to grow each year, with thousands of personnel across Australia participating to help meet national demand.
Community members inspired by the efforts of emergency services are also encouraged to roll up their sleeves and contribute.
To book a donation, visit the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood website or call 13 14 95 to make an appointment at a nearby donor centre.
