When Senior Sergeant Gerard Powell became a motorcycle police officer in 1996, some early advice from a colleague included a recommendation to give blood.
Now, decades later, the frequent donor rolls up his sleeves almost every fortnight due to an extremely high platelet count.
“When I started donating plasma, they did a full blood count and realised I have a very high platelet count, around double the usual amount,” Sen Sgt Powell said.
“Whole blood donations can save three lives per donation, but platelets can be used in various specialised ways, including to help those undergoing cancer treatment.
“Platelet donations only last for one week, so there’s a fast turnaround, and I find it incredibly rewarding to get a text message to say my donation is on the way to help someone.”
Mid-way through the Emergency Services Blood Drive, South Australia Police (SAPOL) is currently in the lead for South Australian donations, with 129 whole blood donations, 166 plasma, and 6 platelets – saving up to 903 lives so far. Overall, SAPOL is sitting at 8th place nationally.
Run by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, the challenge began on 1 June and will be pumping to 31 August 2024.
After joining SAPOL in 1990, blood donation advocate Sen Sgt Powell has followed a variety of career paths, including in operational and training positions.
“When I became a motorcycle policeman, someone on my team who was a blood donor said, ‘now you’re riding motorbikes it might be handy to donate blood, because you might need some back one day’,” he recalled.
“I went along with him to donate and that’s how I started. Later working as a major crash investigator was also motivation to keep donating, after seeing many serious collisions.”
Platelets are an important blood component that enable clotting when there is an injury or trauma and are also important for cancer patients and others suffering from haematological conditions.
On top of normal criteria to be a blood donor, only men can donate platelets due to antibodies more commonly found in the blood of women. Male donors must also have donated plasma before.
Chalking up around 70 donations, Sen Sgt Powell encouraged new donors, individuals who haven’t given in a while and dedicated blood, plasma, and platelet donors to do/keep doing their bit for the community.
“Blood donation doesn’t take very long and certain employers, including SAPOL, allow staff to donate during work,” he added.
“It’s a good feeling to know that you’re saving lives.”
Five metropolitan donor centres: Adelaide (Regent Donor Centre), Marion, Port Adelaide, Noarlunga, and Modbury are open for donations. Pop-up and mobile donor centres are also operating in metropolitan and regional areas.
To book a donation visit , call 13 14 95 or download the donate blood app.
South Australia Police officer Senior Sergeant Gerard Powell donates platelets almost every fortnight and encourages others who are able to make life-saving blood donations.
