Image Credit: CFJC Today
Sirens for Life

Emergency service workers encouraged to give blood during Sirens for Life campaign

May 2, 2019 | 4:10 PM

KAMLOOPS — Emergency personnel are being encouraged to give blood during the Sirens for Life campaign this month.

Various emergency service workers gathered at Oasis Church Thursday morning (May 2) to kick off the campaign.

Paramedic Jamie Wassink required numerous blood transfusions after sustaining an injury on the job in the fall of 2015.

Wassink developed a severe complication during one of her surgeries and required blood products to save her life.

“Three years later I find myself looking back at all of the help that I had received from my friends, neighbours, employers, and the one gift that I can’t give back is blood at this point,” Wassink said. “So I find myself wanting to bring the awareness campaign forward.”

While the Sirens for Life campaign is aimed at emergency service workers, Canadian Blood Services is encouraging all eligible donors to give this life-saving gift on behalf of those workers.

“We just continue to encourage new donors and just really to fill our donor centres when we’re in the community,” said Gayle Voyer, territory manager with Canadian Blood Services. “So, not putting a number to it necessarily, it’s just really if you can donate, please book an appointment and come and join us.”

To book an appointment go to www.blood.ca or call 1-888-2-DONATE.