2008-05-29 - Sirens for Life Saves 4,518 Lives

Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa
Media Release - Media Invite

OTTAWA SIRENS FOR LIFE CAMPAIGN SAVES 4,518 LIVES!
Canadian Blood Services officially closes Sirens for Life campaign at Paramedic Headquarters in Ottawa

Thursday May 29, 2008

Ottawa - Beginning Monday May 12, Emergency Services Staff were encouraging local resident of Ottawa to donate blood in support of the "Sirens for Life" campaign.

This year, the Canadian Blood Services officially launched their "Sirens for Life" blood campaign from the Ottawa Paramedic Service Headquarters (2465 Don Reid Drive).

The Sirens for Life campaign has allowed residents who attended Ottawa blood donor clinics between May 12th and May 30th to donate their blood in honour of police officers, paramedics, firefighters, dispatchers and emergency department staff who put their lives on the line everyday to save others.

Patrick Lamoureux, Director of Community Services for the Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa stated, "This is the time of year when giving blood is needed more than ever. Blood products have life saving benefits for residents throughout Ottawa and the surrounding areas".

Paramedics see a significantly higher incidence of trauma as soon as grad season begins. Lamoureux states, "Life-threatening traumatic emergencies remain high throughout the summer months as people take to the outdoors and engage in risk-related activities. Trauma is the leading cause of preventable death for Canadians aged 0-44yrs and the vast majority of trauma patients require blood products to survive."

Even though the "Sirens For Life" blood drive will come to a close on Friday May 30, paramedics remind all residents of Ottawa that they can be heroes and save lives too by continuing to donate blood throughout the summer - a time when it is needed most.

Thanks to the local media, who are instrumental in spreading the word, the turnout at Donor Clinics has been phenomenal, with over 1500 units of blood and blood products being donated during the Sirens for Life Campaign. Lamoureux states, "These 1500 donations will help us stay a huge step ahead of the next big trauma emergency. The community at large should be recognized for being heroes by enabling us to save up to 4500 lives with their blood".

On Friday May 30th, at Ottawa Paramedic Service Headquarters, special oversized "In Honour" cards, signed by hundreds of donors will be presented to the emergency service professionals who keep the city safe and healthy every day.

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Media are invited to the campaign close which will take place at Ottawa Paramedic Headquarters where Acting Deputy Chief Peter Kelly will introduce representatives from Canadian Blood Services, police and fire as well as special guest Ottawa Police Constable Claudio Escobar, who will share his incredible story about how his life was saved by donated blood. There will be interview and photo opportunities available at the event.

Date: Friday, May 30th 2008
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
Location: Ottawa Paramedic Service Headquarters (2465 Don Reid Drive, Ottawa) - MAIN LOBBY

For additional information, please contact:

Darryl Wilton, Advanced Care Paramedic
President
Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa
300 March Road (4th Floor)
Ottawa, ON K2K 2E2
(613) 244-0333 ext 1
president@ottawaparamedics.ca
www.OttawaParamedics.ca


ADDITIONAL INFO:

Donor Locations - Sirens for Life 2008 (1-888-2-DONATE)

EVERY WEEKDAY - Canadian Blood Services (1575 Carling Avenue)
EVERY WEEKDAY - Bloodmobile (see website below for locations)

http://www.blood.ca/CentreApps/Clinics/inetclinics.nsf/CVSDE?OpenForm&City&OTTAWA&

The Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa is responsible for promoting the practice of Paramedicine and ensuring the highest level of care for our patients.  We are leaders in the advancement of Paramedicine and achieve our objectives through public awareness, research and education.  We lobby for self-regulation under the Regulated Health Professions Act.  We also assist in fundraising for community-based charities.  The Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa is a proud chapter of the Ontario Paramedic Association and the Paramedic Association of Canada. The Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa (PPAO) is not a labour union.