You just never know when you're going to need blood.
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That's according to NSW Police senior constable Marty Paice who six years ago was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome - a rare condition which saw his immune system attack his nerves.
"I was very unwell, and I wasn't quite too sure what was happening," he said.
"It turns out my brain stem was being eaten by my immune system. I was paralysed and the paralysis was working its way up my body and the doctors were very concerned if it got to my heart and lungs I might be in serious trouble."
However doctors were able to get Senior Constable Paice back on his feet though five doses of intravenous immunoglobulin - a treatment made from donated blood containing healthy antibodies.
"I was told later on it took 12 people giving blood just to give me one dose," he said.
"So I required up to 60 donations to basically save my life and get me back on my feet again.
"I'm very grateful for people who give blood because it saved my life. You never know until you need it."
He said he was proud Dubbo police were rolling up their sleeves as part of the Lifeblood 'Bleed4Blue' campaign.
The annual blood drive was launched in 2018 following the stabbing of detective sergeant John Breda at Maroubra on Australia Day 2018, who required 100 bags of blood to keep him alive.
It's now in its forth year with NSW police employees, family friends and community members encouraged to visit a Lifeblood donor centre across the state and donate.
"As first responders we know the importance of blood, we go to the scenes, to the accidents and see the trauma, we know how much its needed," Dubbo police Sergeant Jan Colbran said.
As part of operation Bleed4Blue, the NSW Police Force has set a goal to make 231 donations, to help break the Australian record of the most blood given by a group in a single day.
According to Lifeblood, blood demand is at a 10 year-high and the festive period is a challenging time of the year for blood supplies so police in Dubbo have thrown their support behind the challenge.
"The station here is really pro-active, they all love to get amongst it. Many donate throughout the year, we have a lot of local challenges as well," Sergeant Colbran said.
"If we can come together to donate life saving blood products, we can help to save many more lives."
The Dubbo Blood Donor Centre is calling for 150 blood donors every week this December, with the days between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve of most critical need.
It comes as hospitals are also reporting increased presentations in emergency, obstetrics, and surgery.
Lifeblood spokesperson Brian Bruce said although December was a busy time, blood drives provided life-saving donations.
"The need for blood never takes a break and donated blood will be needed every day between now and Christmas to treat many sick and seriously ill people across Australia," he said.
To donate blood, visit lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.