Sometimes, those who save lives need saving.
When Chief Jeffrey Strickland of the Youngsville Volunteer Fire Department developed a sudden gastro-intestinal bleed, it was his turn to be on the receiving end of emergency services.
He was taken to Warren General Hospital. In three days in the intensive care unit, Strickland needed six units of blood.
Then, he needed three more units during his flight to another hospital.
Nine units is almost as much as is typically present in an adult human body.
Strickland is at home and recovering.
A blood drive in honor of Strickland will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Youngsville Fire Hall.
"Jeffrey and his family are so thankful for the wonderful donors whose blood was available to help with Jeffrey's condition," a release from the family and Community Blood Bank said. "They are supporting this blood drive to help build back up the supply to help others."
Both the Strickland family and the Youngsville VFD members have contributed $25 Kwik Fill gas cards that donors will be eligible to win.
Donors must be at least 17 years old - 16 with signed parental consent - weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Anyone who has gotten a tattoo or piercing from a parlor in the last year is not eligible.
Walk-ins are welcome. Photo ID is required.
Donations to Community Blood Bank will "be put into our general inventory so that patients in Warren County can receive the treatment they need, when they need it," according to a Community Blood Bank release. "The Community Blood Bank is the only provider of blood and blood products to all the hospitals and patients in Warren County."