Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011
11:00 a.m.

Emergency responders in blood battle
2011 Sirens for Life blood donation challenge begins
WINNIPEG, February 23, 2011 Winnipeg Police Service and Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service will face off for the sixth annual Sirens for Life.The emergency responders' blood donation challenge kicked off today at Canadian Blood Services with Shelley M. Hart, WPS Deputy Chief, and Ken Sim, WFPS Deputy Chief of Operations drawing first blood in support of their teams.
"It's a friendly competition that's really about teamwork. Police, fire and paramedics work together daily to protect Winnipeggers ensuring a healthy blood supply is another way we can work together to keep people safe, "says Deputy Chief Hart.
"Blood donation allows firefighters, paramedics and police to extend their services beyond emergency first-responding to a patient's treatment ultimately helping to save lives. I'm honoured to be part of that," says Deputy Chief Sim.
Since 2006, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service has won two challenges and Winnipeg Police Service has won three, including Sirens for Life 2010 with 112 blood donations.
The goal for Sirens for Life 2011 is for each emergency service team to achieve a participation rate of 10% and, together, bring in a minimum combined total of 250 blood donations for patients in Canada.
"The challenge continues to grow. This year, in collaboration with both emergency services teams, we've set our biggest goal to date. I hope Sirens for Life inspires others to give," says Bill Coleman, Director of Donor and Clinic Services for the Prairie Region.
Sirens for Life runs March 1 to 31. Canadian Blood Services asks Winnipeggers to give blood in support of an emergency services team. Public donations will count towards the 2011 challenge. To book an appointment, call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283).
About Canadian Blood Services
Canadian Blood Services is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization that manages the supply of blood and blood products in all provinces and territories outside of Quebec. Canadian Blood Services also oversees the OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network, and provides national leadership for organ and tissue donation and transplantation. For more information, please visit blood.ca.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Winnipeg Police Service Constable Jason Michalyshen | Canadian Blood Services | Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service |
Constable Natalie Aitken 986-3061(office) | Adrienne Silver 789-1066 (office) 794-5358 (cell) | Barb Maguire 986-4721(office) |