County of Dare issued the following announcement on Jul. 16.
The Dare County EMS Department hosted a “Stop the Bleed” certification course on June 22, 2021, to train various administrative staff members of Dare County Schools on how to respond quickly and effectively if a student or staff member sustains a life-threatening injury.
The primary mission of the Stop the Bleed program is to transform a potential witness to a wound or injury into an immediate responder who could potentially save an individual’s life.
“A bleeding injury can happen anywhere—home, school, ballfield, skate park or highway,” said Dare County EMS Deputy Chief Tom Francisco. “Those nearest to someone with life-threatening injuries are in the best position to provide immediate care if they are trained appropriately. We want to share this education about how to handle a life-threatening bleeding injury so that someone may be prepared to assist and provide basic actions that could save a life.”
During the course, participants were taught three different types of actions they can take to control a life-threatening hemorrhage injury.
“To quickly summarize the quick actions, the students are instructed to call 911, apply pressure with their hands, pack wounds and apply pressure, and [are trained on] how to apply a tourniquet,” said Francisco.
Although Dare County EMS staff expressed the importance of calling 911 as soon as an injury occurs, Francisco also noted that when a life-threatening injury occurs, waiting for first responders to arrive without rendering any kind of aid themselves can be the biggest mistake a bystander makes.
Dare County EMS is typically out of the station within 30 seconds of a call coming in—and has an average response time of just eight minutes—however, it can take just 90 seconds for someone who has suffered a life-threatening injury to bleed out, making it crucial for any witnesses who are present when an injury occurs to quickly administer aid.
In addition to providing training on how to respond to an injury that has already occurred, during the course Dare County EMS staff also stressed the importance of preventing any injuries from taking place and being well-prepared to respond to them appropriately if they do.
“Providing public education and awareness on prevention, preparation and possible actions ensures that everyone is working toward the same goals: reduction of preventable incidents, readiness and providing the best possible care in the event of such accidents and incidents,” Francisco said.
In addition to Francisco, four Dare County EMS paramedics also participated in the training course on June 22, including Bryan Evans, Brenden Lindsey, Alex Askew and Nick Brady. Thirty administrators for Dare County Schools were certified at the June 22 session.
Francisco also noted that Dare County EMS’ decision to host this series of training and certification courses is not a reaction or response to any type of increase in threats or incidents at local schools.
“While the news has demonstrated large-scale incidents/threats at schools, life-threatening bleeding injuries can occur at football games, school events, highway accidents, etc.,” said Francisco. “Accidents can occur in most any imaginable situation. Some examples may include school bus accidents, field trips, sporting injuries, after-school activities and many more.”
Those who successfully finished the training on June 22 received a certificate indicating that they have completed the course, and, according to Francisco, the Dare County EMS staff members who provided the training received very positive feedback from those who participated.
“The participants at the training felt that the training was very beneficial and prepared them for possible interactions in such situations,” he said. “The staff noted that the hands-on training and the easy and open interaction with the instructors provided a comfortable learning environment.”
An optional training and certification course that will be geared toward Dare County teachers is currently being planned for August, and Dare County EMS hopes to continue to provide this training throughout the staff in the entire school system and beyond.
“This training will help to empower the community to respond in the event of an emergency to provide initial care that could be life saving,” said Francisco. “Working together, the community is stronger.”
For more information about the Stop the Bleed program, contact EMS Deputy Chief Tom Francisco at tfrancisco@darenc.com or 252-475-5725.
Original source can be found here.
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