NSW Police Force officers have rolled up their sleeves for the second annual ‘Bleed4Blue’ blood donation campaign, launched following the stabbing of an officer on Australia Day last year.
Police Force Commissioner, Michael Fuller joined Detective Sergeant John Breda and police officers from across the Sydney Metropolitan area to launch the blood drive, which runs until the end of February 2020.
Commissioner Fuller said Det Sgt Breda lost almost 12 litres of blood as a medical team worked to save his life after he was stabbed during a police operation at Maroubra last Australia Day.
“It took more than 100 bags of blood to keep him going, including 48 bags in one six-hour surgery,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“The Bleed4Blue campaign shows just how strong the policing family is when it comes together to support each other and the entire community,” he said.
“We know that one in three Australians will need blood or blood products in their lifetime, and this includes our police officers who risk their lives on a daily basis to protect and serve.”
Commissioner Fuller said the first ‘Bleed4Blue’ campaign, which runs in partnership with the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, received more than 4,000 blood donations and saved up to 12,000 lives.
“This year, we hope to save even more [lives] with help of law enforcement family and friends, and the community.”
“Just one blood donation can save up to three people’s lives,” Commissioner Fuller said.
