Lifesavers Needed in Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

Air Idaho Rescue and EIRMC host friendly first responder competition

IDAHO FALLS, ID - April 20, 2026 - The battle lines are drawn and Idahoans are encouraged to pick a side. Air Idaho Rescue, Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, and the American Red Cross are teaming up to host the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive Challenge. To participate, donors simply register and give at any American Red Cross site across the state between now and April 29 in support of their team. Each unit of blood can save up to three lives.

"Everyone is invited to help combat the nation-wide blood shortage by donating," said Air Methods Account Executive Jill Egan. "Every donation is worth one point in our competition. When people donate, they can choose to join Team A+ so their point goes to the Air Idaho rotor wing, EMS, and firefighter team, or they can join Team O+ so their point goes to the Air Idaho fixed wing and law enforcement team. Double points are given for power red and O-negative blood, rookie donors, and donations made on April 29^th, which is the last day of the competition."

An awards ceremony will be held to announce the winning team at the EIRMC North Idaho Falls ER on April 29^th.

Air Idaho Rescue is part of Air Methods, the nation's leading emergency air medical service provider. Their rotor and fixed wing aircraft function as flying ICUs with the critical tools, medications, and supplies needed to provide lifesaving interventions. They all carry whole blood that their highly-skilled flight nurses and paramedics can administer in flight for patients suffering from severe blood loss.

To locate a blood drive near you, visit redcrossblood.org/give.