Go with the flow: Nurse Jess Crawford takes blood from firefighter Gavin Fitzgerald.
By Cherie Donnellan
GEELONG firefighters are challenging emergency services counterparts for the title of ultimate lifesaver.
An eight-week competition has pitted Victorian firefighters, police, paramedics and emergency response workers in battle over who can donate the most blood to Australian Red Cross.
The Country Fire Authority won last year’s challenge, with Corio’s leading fireman “rallying the troops” for this year’s challenge.
“We couldn’t have the police or other emergency services having one over us. We’re going for gold,” Gavin Fitzgerald said.
But CFA members also recognised the serious side of the challenge, he said.
“We’re in the business of saving lives – it’s so important to donate blood.”
“Over the years I’ve been a firefighter there have been many occasions where I’ve had to help people out of serious situations who were injured and needed blood.”
Blood Service spokesman Shaun Inguanzo said one in three Australians would need blood in their lifetime but only one in 30 donated.
Readers could nominate their favourite emergency services when donating blood to help their team win the challenge, Mr Inguanzo said.
Anyone wanting to donate blood should phone 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood .com.au.
