First responders square off in Guns ‘n’ Hoses drive
Hot Springs’ first responders went head to head during an annual blood drive Tuesday afternoon at First Baptist Church.
Guns ‘n’ Hoses, sponsored by Arkansas Blood Institute, drew dozens of donors who could vote their support for either the Hot Springs Police Department, Hot Springs Fire Department, Garland County Sheriff’s Department or emergency medical services. The event had the goal of collecting 40 pints of blood for local hospitals.
“It’s a good way to help people out,” said Hot Springs police Officer 1st Class Chris Chapin, who was donating red blood platelets.
Bob Woodall, ABI’s donor recruiter, said Guns ‘n’ Hoses events are held in numerous cities and communities for the dual purpose of supporting first responders and collecting blood donations. He said first responders themselves regularly participate in the drive, noting that within the first hour at least six local first responders had donated.
Woodall also said that, one hour into the drive, donation efforts were of to a good start as a whole, with 18 total donors visiting the church to donate.
“It’s hard to give blood, and this is (an) event that might get more people out than we normally would,” he said.
There is a competition aspect to the event, as donor can vote for the first responder of their choice. As was the case last year, the police trailed the firefighters early on.
“They’re stomping us,”
Chapin said.
Woodall said the police trailed the fire department in a similar manner last year, but a late surge made up for lost ground. The fire department ultimately won the competition.
“They had some donors that they sent here and said, ‘Hey, you go donate for the police department. We just might win the prize,’” Woodall said.
While the competition may bring an aspect of fun to the drive, some find a deeper significance in such an event. Fire Training Officer Ty Farris said his department has an emotional connection to Guns ‘n’ Hoses.
“Several years ago, we had a fireman who received a bunch of blood from this drive,” Farris said. “It kind of hits home with us, that we’re able to donate for one of our guys.”
Woodall said it is important to donate blood for the purpose of keeping hospitals’ supplies full. He said the 40-pint goal of the drive is enough to supply a hospital for one day.
“Most people can give blood — they just don’t think they can, or they’re afraid of it,” he said.
Both ABI staff and first responders spoke positively of Tuesday’s event.
“People want to support the police and fire, so it’s a way that they can give back to us, but also giving blood back to the community,” Farris said.