Local nurse, Natalie Bartel, RN and certified “Stop the Bleed” instructor, of Wessington Springs is holding “Stop the Bleed” training on Thursday, June 15 at the Springs Inn Cafe meeting room. The training is free and open to the public.
“Stop the Bleed” is a national awareness campaign that encourages bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. Bleeding is the number one cause of preventable death after an injury. When bleeding is uncontrolled, death can occur in a matter of minutes, therefore early intervention is critical to saving lives.
Bartel has trained staff at the elementary and high school, students in grades 7-12, fire departments from Wessington Springs, Gann Valley and Alpena, local law enforcement and Jerauld County employees.
Bartel believes that “Stop the Bleed” training would be beneficial for farmers, carpenters, people in manufacturing positions and anyone who works around equipment.
“Accidents can happen anywhere, with many injuries resulting in serious bleeding. Mass shootings do receive a lot of attention, and it’s important to know these skills in case you ever find yourself in a situation like that, but serious bleeding is most likely to result from everyday injuries that occur at home, at work, or on the road,” Bartel shared. “I like to give an example of someone using a chain saw and accidentally cutting into their leg, or someone working around a PTO shaft and getting their clothing snagged. The techniques taught in this training apply to bleeding no matter the cause, so this training is beneficial to everyone.”
Training includes the proper steps and techniques used to control bleeding, videos, instructions, demonstrations and competency. Education on concerns such as impaled objects, improvised tourniquets, loss of an arm or leg and pain are also covered. Information on where/how to purchase bleeding control kits is also provided.
“Its a good program to go through because accidents can and do happen at any time. You have to be prepared and know what to do in any circumstance you are in.”
Additional information can be found in this week’s print and e-edition on PAGE FOUR
