Excerpts from kvue.com:
Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) and local firefighters recently conducted a "Stop The Bleed" training session to teach the public how to act quickly in life-threatening situations. The program aims to empower everyday people with critical first-aid skills that can make a difference in mass casualty events.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, last year alone, the U.S. experienced more mass shootings than there were days in the year — a shocking 647 incidents. This year has already seen nearly 40 such events before the end of January, highlighting the urgent need for community preparedness.
To address this growing concern, ATCEMS is focusing on training ordinary citizens to become immediate responders. After reviewing past incidents, officials have found that many lives could have been saved if basic bleeding control techniques had been applied right away.
Take the Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016, where 49 people died and 14 were considered survivable based on medical reports. This tragic event reinforced the importance of quick action in the moments following an injury.
The "Stop The Bleed" training is both practical and intense. If someone is bleeding heavily from a wound caused by a stab or gunshot, the first step is to apply direct pressure. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, a tourniquet should be used — but not without continuing to press down on the wound.
In the absence of a tourniquet, medics recommend packing the wound with gauze or even a clean shirt. Once the wound is filled, maintain pressure until professional help arrives. Letting up too soon can cause the bleeding to resume, which can be deadly.
Last week, ATCEMS held its first “Stop The Bleed†course specifically for LGBTQ+ bar owners and community members. The goal is to expand the program to other businesses and install emergency kits in public spaces for quick access. Eventually, they hope to train the broader community so everyone is better prepared in an emergency.
To make this vision a reality, the department is currently seeking funding through grants. With the right support, these life-saving measures could become a standard part of public safety in Austin and beyond.
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