Decia Moruane of the Mdala Team proves once again that being a firefighter is not only about being courageous but having the burning passion to save lives. The 27-year-old goes beyond the call of duty by donating her scarce blood type.

She has group O negative blood type, a much-needed and scarce blood group. A doctor advised her of this after she gave birth to her first child.

“He told me that my group is such a scarce one and is the only blood type that can be given to every blood group in cases of emergency,” she says.

When asked why she donates blood, she points out that many people are injured in car accidents and need blood transfusions to save their lives. “I therefore made a commitment and pledged to be a blood donor to save more lives on the fireline and beyond the fireline.

As festive season draws closer more blood will be needed,” she says.

Moruane suggests that the Arrive Alive campaign looks at encouraging people to donate blood. “I am glad that somehow I am saving someone’s life on a daily, monthly and annual basis. That makes me feel grateful and human.”

Moruane encourages fellow crew members to donate. “During the festive season road fatalities are on an upward spiral. We need to help as much as we can,” she says.