Following an epidemic of mass casualty events, the Hartford Consensus brought together leaders from law enforcement, the federal government, and the medical community to develop ways to improve patient survivability.  While mass shootings and terrorist events continue to muster a large amount of the public attention, serious bleeding can also occur from everyday accidents.  Studies show that traumatic injuries often result in severe blood loss which if left unattended, could result in death in as little as five minutes. The participants of the Hartford Consensus unanimously concluded that by providing first responders and civilian bystanders the skills to stop uncontrolled bleeding in an emergency situation, lives would be saved.   From this, the Stop the Bleed initiative was born. 

 

In conjunction with the American College of Surgeons and the National Trauma Institute, Stop the Bleed sets credible and uniform training standards for controlling life-threatening hemorrhage.   The one-hour Bleeding Control Basics course is designed for any individual who may be called upon to assist with trauma patients while waiting for EMS to arrive.   This interactive training combines both lecture and practical applications, similar to the way bystander CPR has been successfully integrated across the country.  Taught by trained firefighter, paramedics and other healthcare providers, Bleeding Control Basics shows participants how to utilize tourniquets, hemostatic agents, and other basic first aid supplies in the event of an emergency.  Upon completion of the course, each participant will receive a certificate of completion recognized by the American College of Surgeons and the National Committee on Trauma.

 

Locally sponsored by the Port Washington Fire Department and Fire/EMS Association, this training is free to the public.  If you are interested in hosting this class for your organization or business, please contact us at: portfirerescue@gmail.com.