Blood donations urged

Defence personnel from HMAS Stirling led the charge in donating blood in Rockingham last week in a nationwide push to save lives.

The 2017 Australian Defence Force Blood Challenge urges navy, army, air force and Defence personnel to donate blood between September 1 and December 8.

HMAS Stirling personnel lined up to make donations which would be used for a variety of medical treatments — with plasma to be used for a range of emergencies including burns, shock and trauma.

The event also saw Lieutenant Commander David Sutherland presented with a special cake in appreciation of his 250th blood donation

In 2016, the combined services made 6991 donations, which saved up to 20,700 lives. This year’s target is 7000 donations.

Army provided the most donations in 2016 with 2,638, while Air Force had the highest percentage of donors with 7.9 per cent making a donation.

Navy meanwhile, had the highest growth on the previous year up 38 per cent.To make an appointment to donate, visit donateblood.com. au or phone 13 14 95.