Learn how to ‘Stop the Bleed’ after firearms-related violence

Free classes in February and March at Beaumont, Dearborn

Mass shootings like the one Jan. 23 at a Kentucky high school – the 11th school shooting this month in the U.S. – are happening with alarming frequency. The U.S. has more mass shootings than any other country. These terrifying acts of violence have left the entire country feeling fearful, upset and victimized. To counteract these feelings, you could learn how to save a life. In only one hour, find out how to respond if you come face-to-face with the unthinkable — a victim bleeding so badly that he or she could die before medical help arrives.

The Trauma Program at Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn, in conjunction with the national public service campaign called “Stop the Bleed,” is offering four classes designed to teach the public to assist in a bleeding emergency, whether caused by a violent act, a vehicular accident or a calamity at home or work. Free one-hour classes will take place at 6 p.m. Feb. 13, Feb. 22, March 15 and March 22 at Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn. Call Scott Stockinger, coordinator, Trauma Injury Prevention, to register at 313-982-5811. For a complete class listing, go to www.bleedingcontrol.org.

“The skills we teach are applicable to any bleeding emergency,” Stockinger said. “We’ll show you how to spot life-threatening bleeding, apply nonstop pressure, know when to use a tourniquet and where to place it, and pack a wound.”

You don’t need any prior medical training to learn these lifesaving skills.

According to the National Trauma Institute, traumatic injury is the No. 1 cause of death for those ages 1 to 46. More than 180,000 people in the U.S. die every year from traumatic injuries. Bleeding is a leading cause of death from injuries, often in situations where emergency medical care arrives too late to help the victim. Training members of the public to “Stop the Bleed” will save lives and combat these frightening statistics.

Five steps to help a victim in a bleeding emergency

1. Be sure you are not in harm’s way, such as on a highway or in the line of fire.
2. Call 911.
3. Figure out where the blood is coming from. If blood is spurting, pooling or soaking clothing, it could be a life-threatening situation.
4. Grab a shirt, scarf or whatever is handy to cover the wound, or just use your hands if nothing else is available.
5. Press hard on the wound with your hands, or even your knee, until help arrives.