When most people think of summer, they think of positive things - hot weather, spending time outdoors and going on vacation. Unfortunately, it’s also the time when there’s an increase in traumatic injuries requiring blood transfusions. With many regular donors on vacation, that can put pressure on the blood supply.

Paramedics and other EMS staff often encounter patients who need blood, so Toronto EMS was glad to co-host the kick-off of the sixth annual Canadian Blood Services’ Sirens for Life campaign on June 25. The goal of the campaign is to achieve a donation of 2,000 units of blood this summer through the campaign, led by EMS, ORNGE, Toronto Fire and Toronto Police.

On hand at the event was the May-Gilfoy family and their five-year-old daughter Karlee. A year ago in May, she was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia, a disease of the bone marrow which affects the production of red and white blood cells, as well as platelets. Karlee was given the gift of a lifetime by her brother Tyler, who just so happened to be a perfect bone marrow match. She also received 26 blood product transfusions throughout her treatment. She is now healthy and looking forward to heading back to school in September.

Speaking at the launch of the summer campaign were EMS Chief Bruce Farr, Police Chief Bill Blair, Fire Division Chief David Sheen and Ornge Chief Operating Officer Tom Lepine. Each speaker echoed the need for citizens to step up and donate blood this summer. Several frequent donors and members of the EMSfamily answered the call.

“With the business that we’re in and specifically at this time of year, we know there’s a significant need for blood,” Deputy Chief Norm Lambert noted as he was in the process of donating. “When we get into the vacation time period, there’s a lot more activity going on and a lot of people doing things where they take risks.”

At the end of the day, the goal of reaching 42 units was met and surpassed, allowing this year’s campaign to get off to a great start.