Emergency services roll up sleeves for Newcastle blood drive

28 May 2026

newy.com.au – Senior Hunter Region representatives from NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and Fire and Rescue NSW donated at a mobile Australian Red Cross Lifeblood donor site as part of the annual Emergency Services Blood Drive, which runs from 1 May to 31 July.

The campaign brings frontline emergency services personnel together in a friendly national competition to record the highest number of blood donations. Since this year’s drive began on Friday 1 May, emergency services across Australia have contributed 4,571 donations, helping to save an estimated 13,713 lives.

The Newcastle-area donation has been coordinated by Inspector Lisa Jones, from Lake Macquarie Police District, who helped rally senior officers and emergency services colleagues to take part.

Those donating include Lake Macquarie Police District Commander Superintendent Tracy Chapman APM, Newcastle City Police District Commander Superintendent Kylie Endemi APM, NSW Ambulance Associate Director Clinical Operations Chief Superintendent Luke Wiseman and Fire and Rescue NSW Chief Superintendent Matthew Waldon.

Superintendent Chapman said the campaign reflected the role emergency services played beyond the front line.

“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,” she said.

Superintendent Endemi said the drive highlighted the close working relationship between agencies.

“This initiative showcases the teamwork and camaraderie that exists not only within policing, but right across all emergency services,” she said.

Chief Superintendent Wiseman said paramedics regularly saw the importance of donated blood in urgent care.

“Every donation helps ensure paramedics, clinicians and other medical teams have access to life-saving resources when time is critical.”

Chief Superintendent Waldon said emergency services were encouraging others to consider donating, particularly people with O negative blood.

“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 said blood and plasma donations were needed every day for patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatment, trauma care and treatment for chronic conditions.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Mr Bruce said first-time donors were also encouraged to come forward.

“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,” he said.

The Emergency Services Blood Drive continues until 31 July, with thousands of personnel across Australia expected to take part. Community members can book a donation through the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood website or by calling 13 14 95 to make an appointment at a nearby donor centre.