Emergency crews are at Canadian Blood Services today, all in support of a cause.

The event is called Sirens for Life. Members of the RCMP, RNC, and St. John’s Regional Fire Department are all turning out for a friendly competition to see which group can get the most members to donate, and to get the message out about the importance of blood donation.

RCMP Corporal Jolene Garland gave blood at the event. She says it is an important initiative because first responders unfortunately see the need for blood first-hand at many of the calls they get.

Gord Skiffington, Community Development Manager with Canadian Blood Services, echoes Garland’s comments, noting that the need for blood is always there.

He explains that a person injured in a serious car crash, for example, may need up to 50 donors to save their life.

Skiffington hopes that seeing the effort from Sirens for Life will encourage others to make an appointment and donate.