News

Stop the Bleed

West Virginia University students are learning lifesaving skills as part of a national campaign

The Jon Michael Moore Trauma Center, in partnership with the American College of Surgeons, is taking part in the national “Stop the Bleed” initiative. Participants in the programs are being trained to stop bleeding in order to prevent death from hemorrhage.

“The Stop the Bleed event was a seminar-like presentation that showed quick and efficient methods to control bleeding in patients,” said Sreedatta Mahavadi, a masters in health sciences student and Stop the Bleed program participant. “The presentation had multiple practitioners present in the room who were well versed in triage and bleeding control. They taught us simple methods to maintain control of bleeding sites with simple to use equipment or things on hand. We also had the opportunity to practice on mannequins.”

Over 100 HSC students have been trained by either the trauma center or through WVU STEPS. Young adults have been victims in many of the mass casualty events that have occurred across the country which is why Dr. Linda Vona-Davis, Director of the MS in Health Sciences program, reached out to her colleagues in the Trauma Center and requested the training. “The Stop the Bleed training provides our students with basic techniques in bleeding control during a life-threatening emergency.”

“I really enjoyed the Stop the Bleed training. I think it is a valuable training program that everyone should learn,” said Elizabeth Labuda, a masters in health sciences student. “You never know when you are going to run into a situation where we can apply this. After hearing how many lives could have been saved from the school shootings due to excessive bleeding, I believe this training program should be mandatory for all students. I think Stop the Bleed should be required, as CPR and other trainings are required when working around other individuals. I really enjoyed Stop the Bleed!”

Stop the Bleed training group with hands on practice

The center not only offers training sessions to students, but has been able to train local law enforcement, sororities, fraternities, local businesses and many other groups. Train-the-trainer events are being held as well to increase the number of sessions the center can offer. The more communities Stop the Bleed is able to reach, the larger the decrease in death from hemorrhage and the increase in overall community safety.

“Unfortunately we can’t say “it will never happen here” any longer,” said Leslie Willard, RN and Injury Prevention Outreach Coordinator for WVU Trauma Services. “It’s not IF, but WHEN? We need to be prepared. Adolescents and young adults have been victims in many of the mass casualty events that have occurred across the country. Having a training where there is opportunity to ask questions and have hands-on application of the skill learned seems to be very popular among the students. Hopefully, by having a hands-on approach to training, the students would more readily be able to assist in a real situation.”

Groups and organizations wishing to receive Stop the Bleed training should contact the Jon Michael Moore Trauma Center at 304-598-4659.

For more information on the Stop the Bleed campaign, visit www.bleedingcontrol.org.

For more information on the Jon Michael Moore Trauma Center, visit www.wvumedicine.org/trauma.