Idaho Falls Battle of the Badges Blood Drive Surpasses Goal Ahead of 100 Deadliest Days Season
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Emergency responders and medical professionals in Bonneville County came together this spring to tackle a critical shortage of blood donations ahead of one of the most dangerous stretches of the year on Idaho’s roads and highways. The Battle of the Badges blood drive, launched April 1 and running for 29 days, united local fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical services in a friendly competition — and the results exceeded expectations.
The drive was organized through a partnership between Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) and Air Idaho Rescue, with the American Red Cross facilitating donations. Participants were split into two competing teams: Team A+, made up of Air Idaho’s rotor crew, EMS personnel, and local firefighters, and Team O+, which included local law enforcement and Air Idaho’s fixed-wing team. Team A+ claimed victory in the competition.
Drive Surpasses 30-Unit Goal With Community Support
Organizers set an initial goal of collecting 20 units of blood. By the time the drive concluded, donors had contributed 30 units — surpassing the target by 50 percent. According to a news release from Air Methods, the parent company of Air Idaho Rescue, a single unit of donated blood can help save up to three lives.
Eric Day, EIRMC’s EMS director, emphasized the urgency behind the effort. “The Red Cross said that they’re going into this current trauma season needing approximately 65,000 units of blood to support our region,” Day said, according to reporting by EastIdahoNews.com. “That means they really do need a lot of community engagement to reach those numbers.”
Day further noted that blood cannot be manufactured or purchased on the open market — it can only come from voluntary in-person donations. That reality makes community participation not just appreciated, but essential for hospitals and emergency services across East Idaho.
Timing Tied to the 100 Deadliest Days on Idaho Roads
The timing of the blood drive is deliberate. The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, commonly known as the 100 Deadliest Days, historically sees a sharp increase in traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities across Idaho. Emergency services need adequate blood reserves on hand before that surge begins — not scrambling for donations in the middle of it.
Brandon Rich, a captain with the Idaho Falls Fire Department, told EastIdahoNews.com that competitive drives between EMS, fire, and law enforcement always carry a community-focused purpose. “That’s really what our community is about. That’s why we call ourselves a community,” Rich said. He added that the willingness of residents to make the sacrifice of donating blood reflects the character of the Idaho Falls area.
“It’s a big deal to have people come out and make sacrifices to take care of each other,” Rich said.
Road safety remains a serious concern in Bonneville County and across the state during summer months. A recent vehicle rollover on 17th Street in Idaho Falls is a reminder of how quickly accidents can place unexpected demand on regional trauma resources — and why a ready blood supply matters year-round.
Public safety agencies across East Idaho routinely respond to serious incidents that can require significant medical resources. Whether it is a traffic collision, a medical emergency, or a trauma event, the availability of donated blood directly affects patient outcomes at facilities like Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
What Comes Next
Although the Battle of the Badges competition has officially concluded, organizers say the need for blood donations has not. Eric Day encouraged Bonneville County residents to continue donating throughout the year, not only during organized drives. The American Red Cross and EIRMC are asking community members to visit local donation centers and help replenish regional blood supplies ahead of the summer trauma season.
Residents interested in learning more about where to donate blood in the Idaho Falls area can contact the American Red Cross or Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center directly for information on upcoming donation opportunities. Given that the region is entering its most demanding period for emergency services, health officials say every unit donated makes a measurable difference. For additional Idaho health and public safety news, visit Idaho News.