Firefighters save lives on day off
Two Glasgow firefighters are proud to be saving lives in Scotland, even when they’re not working.
John Allan and Andrew Kerr from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are committed blood donors who have now switched to giving platelets. Their day job can involve the bravery to enter burning buildings, but the kind-hearted duo spare the time to give these vital donations on a regular basis too.
The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) is now looking for more heroes just like John and Andrew for platelet donation. Platelets can help those undergoing treatment for blood cancer as well as premature babies who require platelet transfusions in the first few days of life.
The opportunity to donate platelets has given me the opportunity to help people without the inherent risk of entering a burning building or putting myself and my colleagues at risk. John Allan, Station Commander, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
John, who is a Station Commander at the SFRS, said, 'The opportunity to donate platelets has given me the opportunity to help people without the inherent risk of entering a burning building or putting myself and my colleagues at risk. I decided to move over to platelets on the guidance of the staff at the Glasgow Donor Centre. One of the nurses Angie approached me to discuss the benefits of platelet donation.'
You’re always really well looked after. Andrew Kerr, Crew Commander, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
SFRS Crew Commander Andrew, who has made 36 donations so far, added, 'With my shift plan and schedule it's really easy for me to plan how often I can donate - I can do 13 a year. Platelets takes a little bit longer than blood donation but you're always really well looked after. I get my apple juice and my KitKat and I'm ready to go.'
SNBTS spokeperson Fiona Shields said, 'This year we'd love to welcome an additional 300 platelet donors in Scotland overall, 200 of whom we need in Glasgow. We are incredibly grateful to all our Scottish Fire and Rescue Service blood, platelet and plasma donors who give up their time to support the patients of Scotland. If you are an O or A group donor and can give roughly every four weeks in one of our donor centres in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, or Glasgow this might be the right fit for you. Like John you may find out you are a high spec donor - meaning your HLA and HPA type matches with patients who require extra support these are often new born babies. During 2025 Scotland also needs to welcome 1,000 new plasma donors. Plasma is used for critically ill patients including burns victims, those who have lost large volumes of blood or with weak immune systems. You can give plasma at our donor centres in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness.'
- If you've never given blood or haven't for a while you can sign up and make an appointment online.
- If you've been inspired by Andrew and John to give platelets or plasma, fill in our online form to find out more.
- You can also call us Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm on 0345 90 90 999