Combined efforts increase blood supply for those who need it most

SOMERSET, KY – April 3, 2024 – For the third year in a row, the Air Methods of Kentucky program organized its Battle of the Bases blood drives across the state of Kentucky, including its base in Corydon, IN. This friendly “battle” among the six bases has garnered more than 300 blood-unit donations in the past two years, and this year, they collected 25 more units than they did during last year’s Battle of the Bases challenge.

“We were excited to team up again with our local chapter of the American Red Cross and the Kentucky Blood Bank Center,” said Flight Nurse Kendall Stewart. “It’s exciting to see the blood drive program continue and grow. It’s even more humbling to know these donations are saving hundreds of lives.”

The friendly challenge was sparked in 2021 when creators, Stewart and Area Manager Danny Bray, put their brainpower together to creatively help tackle the blood shortage in the state. Bray and Stewart decided to challenge all six bases to compete to make a larger impact by increasing blood donations. This year, the Air Methods Air Communication Center (AirCom) in Omaha, NE joined the competition, too.

“Air Methods has been a wonderful blood program partner for the American Red Cross and continues to go above and beyond to help us fulfill our lifesaving mission and support patient needs,” said American Red Cross Account Manager Brooke Lee. “They know first-hand how important blood donations are for life-saving care and work hard to encourage their communities to roll up a sleeve and donate blood. We greatly appreciate all their efforts in helping the Red Cross maintain our nation’s blood supply. The need for blood never stops and every donation makes a huge impact on those who need it.”

Each unit of blood can save up to three lives. With nearly 170 units of blood donated across three states this year alone, the Air Methods of Kentucky crews and their AirCom counterparts are potentially saving the lives of more than 500 people.

Air Methods works closely with the American Red Cross across the nation, helping to keep supply strong at blood banks and in program aircraft. All Air Methods air medical programs carry the critical tools, medications, and supplies needed to provide lifesaving interventions at the scene and ICU-level care while in flight. On every flight, the team carries whole blood and/or blood products (i.e. blood plasma), positively increasing patient outcomes through pre-hospital care.