NEENAH, WI (WTAQ)- ThedaCare is hoping to save lives by teaching a new course on bleeding control.
Doctor David Schultz, Medical Director of Trauma, says recent tragic events show bystanders need to have more ability to save lives, and that comes through proper training.
“What we have learned from these mass casuality events is that EMS and emergency help can’t always arrive on scene as quickly as they sometimes need to.”
A new Stop the Bleed class is being offered.
“Training bystanders how to care for bleeding emergencies is vital since they are at the scene of the incident” Schultz said. “The faster the bleeding is stopped, the chances of a good outcome is increased.”
Nick Romenesko of Gold Cross Ambulance says the classes are as easy as A-B-C..Alert, Bleeding Location, and Compression.
“It is very step-by-step, and you a ton of practice to make sure you have the muscle memory to undersand it.”
Doctors say it is as important to learn as CPR.
“If we can teach people, and give them the equipment to help stop bleeding, we can stop bleeding much faster.”
ThedaCare will offer the classes starting February 8. You can go to www.thedacare.org/classes to sign up. ThedaCare also plans to train people working at local music festivals, EAA AirVenture, schools and businesses.
The Stop the Bleed program is modeled after the U.S Army’s effort to equip soldiers with trauma supplies and the knowledge to use them.
The training features a step-by-step process of assisting a victim, which starts with ensuring their own safety.
The next step is to located the life-threatening bleeding and a first aid kit. If the wound is on the leg or arm, it is advised to use a tourniquet if one is available, otherwise trainees are instructed to pack the wound with guaze or a clean cloth and apply direct pressure.
If the wound is in the neck, shoulder or groin area, packing the wound and applying direct pressure is taught.
Bleeding control kits will be available, and the hope is to have those more readily available.
