Edmonton, Calgary first responders compete for the most blood donations
First responders in Edmonton are in a competition with their counterparts in Calgary to see who can donate the most blood.
Members from the RCMP, EMS, and Edmonton Fire Rescue Services donated blood on Wednesday morning as part of the Sirens for Life challenge.
The chief of EFRS says members have been inspired to donate by their experiences on the job.
"When it takes up to eight donations to help somebody who has been in a car accident, it becomes very real. And you see what happens to people. This is another way that first responders can give back," Chief Joe Zatylny told reporters.
Canadian Blood Services is trying to collect more than 5,000 blood, plasma, and platelet donations by the end of January.
It is also hoping to add 500 new donors to its database.
"We had a very successful Christmas, however, we want to gain this momentum and keep on because January's usually a little bit of a dip. So this is a great incentive for everyone to come out and try something new for the New Year," said Jasmine Vallarta of Canadian Blood Services.
Zatylny says last year, Calgary responders beat Edmonton responders in the challenge by about 500 donations.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7029443.1725744633!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student
A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'
'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease
Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.
The iPhone is getting a 'glow' up. What to expect from Apple's Monday event
Apple excited fans with its vision for its 'Apple Intelligence' artificial intelligence system earlier this year. Now, it's time for the company to prove it really works.
No more porta-potties at B.C. construction sites starting Oct. 1
What some B.C. construction workers describe as the worst aspect of their jobs will be coming to an end next month, the province announced.
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
Aryna Sabalenka beats Jessica Pegula to win the U.S. Open for her third Grand Slam title
Aryna Sabalenka got past Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in a rollicking U.S. Open women’s final Saturday to win her first championship at Flushing Meadows and third Grand Slam title of her career.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.
Trudeau insists he's staying on as Liberal leader. But what if he changes his mind?
The Liberal caucus is set to meet in Nanaimo, B.C., next week for a retreat ahead of the fall parliamentary sitting. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau insists he will lead his party into the next election despite polls citing his unpopularity among Canadians. Here's a look at what would happen if he decided to call it quits.