Iowans are being urged to enroll in a free, one-hour course designed to equip them with life-saving skills in case of a severe bleeding emergency. The program, called Stop The Bleed, is aimed at ordinary citizens without any medical background. It teaches essential first aid techniques that can make a significant difference in saving lives until professional medical help arrives.
Understanding the Importance of Immediate Action
Kelly Hilsabeck, a registered nurse and trauma injury prevention coordinator at Gundersen Health, emphasizes the importance of the training. In emergencies, every second counts. National studies show that the average response time for emergency medical services (EMS) is between seven to ten minutes. In that crucial window, bystanders can play an essential role in helping to stop severe bleeding, which is often the leading cause of death in traumatic injuries.
The Stop The Bleed course teaches participants how to apply pressure to bleeding wounds, use tourniquets, and more, providing basic yet life-saving first aid skills. The aim is to prepare people to act quickly and effectively, increasing the chances of survival for victims of trauma until EMS personnel arrive.
How to Take the Course
The Stop The Bleed initiative offers a simple way for people to find nearby training sessions. Through their official website, stopthebleed.org, users can access the “Find a Course” tool, which helps them locate the closest free training sessions. The program is open to all, regardless of previous healthcare experience, making it accessible to everyone who wants to make a difference in an emergency situation.
In addition to the course locator, the website also offers guidance on purchasing specialized first aid kits for home, car, and workplace use. These kits are designed to help people be prepared for any unexpected emergency, further emphasizing the program’s goal of promoting safety and readiness.
Local Fire and Ambulance Teams Join the Effort
Several local organizations in Iowa, including the Rock Valley Fire Department and the Rock Valley Ambulance Association, are also offering Stop The Bleed courses to community members. These groups are working to ensure that as many people as possible are trained and ready to act in emergencies.
The Need for Preparedness in Communities
The need for such training has become increasingly important as studies show that traumatic injuries are a leading cause of death in the U.S. Severe bleeding can occur in many everyday situations, including accidents, car crashes, and workplace injuries. Having trained individuals nearby who know how to stop bleeding can save lives, especially in rural areas or locations where medical professionals may take longer to reach the scene.
By teaching everyday people simple yet effective skills, the Stop The Bleed program has the potential to make a significant impact on survival rates in Iowa and beyond. The free training courses are an opportunity for Iowans to play an active role in saving lives, whether at home, work, or in public spaces.
Get Involved and Make a Difference
Iowans interested in participating in the Stop The Bleed program are encouraged to visit stopthebleed to find a class near them. The training is free, and anyone can sign up, regardless of medical experience.
Taking this hour-long course could be the difference between life and death in an emergency, and with the guidance of local organizations like the Rock Valley Fire Department and the Rock Valley Ambulance Association, more residents are gaining the skills needed to act when it counts.
