A near-death experience encouraged a Devon Meadows firefighter to roll up her sleeves for a good cause.
While giving birth to her second child in 2015, Carly Damman suffered complications during an emergency caesarean.
Placed on life support for 11 days, Ms Damman benefited greatly from donated blood.
“After being put on life support, I received a number of blood transfusions from donated blood,” Ms Damman said.
“When I woke up, I just really felt like I wanted to give back to the community and to those people that helped me.”
Following this experience, she decided to begin donating blood to give back to those who needed it.
“I obviously just saw the importance of being able to donate blood and to give donations to help others who are like me and get sick unexpectedly and get sick and do need blood and plasma for lifesaving benefits.”
The life-changing incident also inspired Ms Damman to join her local fire brigade in 2017.
“I’ve always been very community-minded, and I wanted to help out however I could.
“I joined my local CFA and I’ve never looked back since.
“CFA is a big part of my life and a big part of who I am now, especially after going through such a traumatic event, it feels good to give back in any way I can.”
This year, Ms Damman is taking part in the Emergency Services Blood Challenge for the first time.
“I’d seen the challenge advertised and thought it would be really nice to work alongside my fellow fireys, just like we do on the fireground.”
The Emergency Services Blood Challenge runs from 1 June to 31 August.
CFA members, their friends and family can all join team CFA, with the overall goal to tally up as many blood, plasma or platelet donations as possible throughout the three-month period.
Find out more about how to get involved and join CFA’s team at lifeblood.com.au/blood/donate-as-a-group/blood-challenges/emergency-services-blood-challenge
