RAPID CITY - United Blood Services is hoping to shatter its blood donation record next week at its second Guns 'n' Hoses event, which pits the Rapid City fire and police departments against each other.

Fire and police department members work to get members of the community to donate during the four-day drive by giving out T-shirts and other gifts to people who will donate to their side.

Nikki Heier, a donor recruitment representative with United Blood Services, said the event is so large that the organization puts all of its donation technicians to work during the drive.

Last year, the police department won the competition by 47 pints of blood.

The two departments have been "razzing" each other since last year's event, according to Heier. She added that donation numbers within both departments have skyrocketed.

The organization got the idea from a similar event in Sioux Falls called Heroes behind the Badges.

After last year's event, Heier said United Blood Services in Rapid City was contacted by blood-services offices throughout the country to see how they organized the event.

Last year's event brought in 487 pints of blood in only four days. Heier said the average blood drive brings in only 23 pints of blood. The previous record was 154 pints at a blood drive at Central High School. Heier said school blood drives are integral to bringing in donors.

"When school is out, we struggle real badly because we lose our donor base," she said.

United Blood Services has set a goal to bring in 550 pints, but Heier is more optimistic with a goal of 600.

Heier said the red blood cells from a donation last only 42 days, so having a strong showing during the summer helps to alleviate possible issues when the tourism season and the Sturgis Rally bring more people to the area.

"It is definitely wonderful. It takes a little pressure off," she said. "In the summertime, we're kind of begging."

People 17 or older who weighs more than 110 pounds are eligible to give blood.