EMERGENCY services personnel have united in a call on the community to take a little time and give blood this festive season.
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RoadSafe Central Highlands hosted an initiative bringing together the region's emergency services asking for fellow community members to roll up their sleeves and donate to help save lives.
Emergency services are preparing for a busy festive season in keeping our roads safe.
Ballarat Highway Patrol Sergeant Ross Humphrey, who is part of the RoadSafe committee, said police were expecting more people on the roads this Christmas after extended lockdowns and with more people holidaying within the state.
Sergeant Humphrey urged motorists to be smart, stay safe and do their part to help prevent road trauma.
"If you are considering a trip, especially by vehicle, it's about doing all the basics: take regular breaks; obviously don't drink and drive; don't get distracted; and make sure to be wearing a seatbelt," Sergeant Humphrey said. "Speed is another big factor.
"Over time, there could have also been a lot of changes to infrastructure. Even if people think they know the roads, that could have changed, so everyone needs to make sure they are alert and aware of what's going on. Have patience."
RoadSafe is also urging people who will be towing vehicles this summer to ensure these were checked properly before hitting the road, especially with an expected rise in people taking caravan holidays.
The RoadSafe event featured personnel from Ballarat police, fire, State Emergency Service, ambulance and National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
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RoadSafe Central Highlands executive officer Gerard Ryan said it was important this was a great chance to get emergency services together and remind everyone of the sacrifices they would make to keep people safe this Christmas.
"So many give up family time and holiday time when they are needed to go out," Mr Ryan said. "This is time when they could be home for Christmas."
Many give up family time and holiday time when they are needed to go out. This is time when they could be home for Christmas.
- Gerard Ryan, RoadSafe Central Highlands
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood group manager Colin Littlejohn said donation numbers had been strong at Ballarat Donor Centre during the pandemic but supplies were still desperately needed during the Christmas period.
Mr Littlejohn said it was powerful to have the region's emergency services to help share this message.
He said plasma, in particular, could create 18 products most of which were used in cancer treatments - and cancer treatments did not stop during holidays. One cancer treatment injection requires five plasma donations.
Whole blood could last 42 days and platelets were generally taken on demand due to a shorter lifespan.
People with new tattoos could now donate plasma without waiting, provided they had been to a registered tattoo parlour.
To donate, call 13 14 95. Ballarat appointments are available six days a week.