Program Has Broad Impact on Long Island from First Responders, Firefighters, Lifeguards & Teachers to Stadium Security, Scouts & More
NYU Winthrop Hospital a year ago launched an ambitious Stop the Bleed program to educate first responders and civilians in techniques to stop life-threatening bleeding that could occur following events such as a mass shooting, terrorist bombing, or car crashes. The hospital today announced that it has now trained over 1,000 Long Islanders in the program’s lifesaving techniques. Stop the Bleed is a national program supported by the American College of Surgeons and Homeland Security and encourages everyday citizens to become empowered to assist in bleeding emergencies until professional medical help arrives. NYU Winthrop Hospital reached out to all corners to spread the program’s critical knowledge, having trained university security officers, stadium and shopping center security, firefighters, lifeguards, school faculties, boy scouts, chaplains, synagogue members, and more. The hospital’s goal is not to “normalize” events that might result in life-threatening bleeding but to prepare communities as best as possible for a range of trauma circumstances.
“The Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery at NYU Winthrop Hospital has made Stop the Bleed an important priority,” said Collin E. Brathwaite, MD, chairman of the Department of Surgery at NYU Winthrop. “Our vision is to educate as many laymen as possible in helping to treat life-threatening bleeding, much the way CPR has become a standard lifesaving program in communities across the country.”
The most frequent cause of preventable death from extremity injury is bleeding from serious arm and leg wounds. The Stop the Bleed program at NYU Winthrop teaches tactics to recognize and control such life-threatening bleeding, including by direct pressure, the use of tourniquets, or packing (filling) a wound with gauze or clean cloth.
“In a recent shooting incident, it was estimated that tourniquets applied at the scene saved the lives of at least three victims,” added D’Andrea K. Joseph, MD, chief of the Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery at NYU Winthrop Hospital. “No previous medical training is required to learn how to use tourniquets as well as other lifesaving measures taught in the Stop the Bleed program.” Dr. Joseph added that knowledge gained can also prepare citizens to help with everyday accidents, including home and work injuries.
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