Orlando Health Level One Trauma Team and Orange County Government jointly announced the local launch of \u201cStop the Bleed,\u201d a national training model proven to save lives. The training was launched in response to the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in an effort to improve survivability from man-made or natural mass casualty events.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all know that, when it comes to saving a life, seconds and minutes are critical,\u201d Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said. \u201cIn the time it takes for first responders to arrive to a scene, a person nearby can provide immediate assistance until further help arrives. I cannot think of a better, more talented group to take the lead on this effort. The hard work and tireless efforts they put forth every day to ensure our citizens and visitors receive the best care possible is so greatly valued.\u201d<\/p>\n
Top leaders and public safety officials joined Mayor Jacobs, including Fire Chief Otto Drozd III, City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Police Chief John Mina and Fire Chief Roderick Williams. After the formal campaign announcement, those attending got a firsthand look at the ABCs of bleeding response, similar to what training participants will observe and practice. The ABCs of responding for bleeding: A for Alert, call 9-1-1; B for Bleeding, find the bleeding injury; and C for Compress, apply pressure by various techniques including a tourniquet or packing the wound.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood Samaritans should always dial 9-1-1 first, but by equipping the everyday person with basic training on how to render aid to someone who is experiencing significant blood loss can be the difference between life and death, or even quality of life,\u201d according to Dr. George Ralls, who serves as Orange County\u2019s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Medical Director.<\/p>\n
While Orlando Health\u2019s Trauma Team will deliver the medical training component of Stop the Bleed, Orange County\u2019s Office of the EMS Medical Director will help reach the community and facilitate training for local businesses, organizations and individuals in a manner similar to CPR training outreach efforts.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe tell people every day that we do everything that we can to save someone\u2019s life,\u201d said Dr. Joseph Ibrahim, trauma medical director at Orlando Regional Medical Center. \u201cThis program and training other people is a part of doing everything we can.\u201d<\/p>\n
Through Stop the Bleed participants will learn how to use what is commonly referred to as a B-Con Kit, a kit that includes: gloves, tourniquet(s), gauze coated with special medication to help with clotting, pressure bandage\/compression application and would be a tool available to a person rendering aid while EMS is en route.<\/p>\n
Stop the Bleed classes range from one to two hours long and are provided at no cost to the participant. Local classes are expected to be available to the public within the next few months. For additional information, send an email to R-StopTheBleed@orlandohealth.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n