South Australia Police (SAPOL) has achieved its best-ever result in the national Lifeblood Emergency Services Blood Drive Challenge, climbing three places from last year to finish fourth nationally with 683 donations. SAPOL's contribution will help save 2049 lives.
In addition to its national success, SAPOL once again retained the top spot in South Australia, outperforming other emergency service organisations across the state.
The annual blood drive, run by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood from 1 June to 31 August, called on emergency services workers to roll up their sleeves and compete in a special type of battle – to make the highest number of blood and plasma donations.
One in three people will need donated blood in their lifetime. A single donation can save up to three lives.
This year, SAPOL exceeded their goal of 600 donations, contributing a total of 683 donations.
This included:
- 325 whole blood donations
- 356 plasma donations
- 2 platelet donations
- 57 new donors
SAPOL's results placed it just behind Victoria Police, the NSW Police force, and the Victorian Country Fire Authority, demonstrating an impressive national impact.
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens thanked SAPOL members, friends and family who donated. He said this year's record-breaking position on the tally highlighted SAPOL's commitment to the community they serve.
"Our people are dedicated to serving South Australians – not just through policing, but through every opportunity to make a difference," Commissioner Stevens said.
"Donating blood is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to help others, and I'm incredibly proud of how our members, families and friends have rallied behind this cause," he said.
SAPOL finished first in SA and seventh place nationally in the 2024 Emergency Services Blood Drive, with staff and supporters making 578 donations, saving 1734 lives.
This year, SAPOL led the South Australian charge once again, outperforming other SA-based emergency services including the SA Ambulance Service, SA Metropolitan Fire Service; SA Country Fire Service, the Australian Federal Police (SA), St John Ambulance, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service and Airservices Australia.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood spokesperson Emily Granland thanked everyone from SAPOL who donated or encouraged others in their community to donate.
"SA Police members have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to blood and plasma donation during Lifeblood's 2025 Emergency Services Blood Drive - making a life-changing difference to patients and their loved ones. Their contributions have saved up to 2,049 lives," she said.
Ms Granland said that with demand at a 12-year high, she hoped SAPOL donors continue their life-giving journey throughout the year and well into the future.
The challenge was open to all SAPOL employees, family, and friends.
While only donations made between 1 June and counted towards the competition, Lifeblood Teams operate all year round.
To book a donation visit www.lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95 or download the donate blood app.
