This year, new opportunities exist for learning to STOP THE BLEED®, both virtually and in-person
CHICAGO (May 17, 2021): Traumatic injuries can occur any time and in many forms. May 20, 2021, marks the fourth annual National STOP THE BLEED® Day, which falls during the broader observance of National STOP THE BLEED® Month in May. As people around the world begin to carefully come out of quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic, National STOP THE BLEED® Day provides a renewed opportunity to highlight why it's important that everyone learn how to control serious bleeding through STOP THE BLEED® training.
Much of the world adapted in different ways to the events of the past year and STOP THE BLEED® is no exception. New opportunities now exist for learning to STOP THE BLEED® virtually. However, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) still recommends the in-person course as the best way to learn these skills, and courses are available again in several areas of the country with appropriate COVID-19 social distancing precautions in place. During this year's observance, members of the public are encouraged to get trained by finding a course in their area or learning about bleeding control techniques online, and those in approved instructor categories are encouraged to become a STOP THE BLEED®instructor.
STOP THE BLEED® is a powerful tool for any bleeding emergency, including everyday injuries and accidents. Knowing how to respond in the event of a bleeding emergency can help save a life before professional help arrives.
Anyone can save a life when they know how to control serious bleeding. Recent success stories include a physician assistant who applied a tourniquet to a man who had sliced his arm on broken glass. She was able to control the bleeding until an ambulance arrived. Also, a quick-thinking volunteer emergency medical technician in Baltimore was able to use a nearby STOP THE BLEED® kit to help save a man with a gunshot wound.
The importance of STOP THE BLEED® lies not just in training the public, but also in the widespread availability of STOP THE BLEED® kits in public places. A recent study appearing in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons showed that in Los Angeles County, the availability and increasing use of tourniquets led to improved survival and a decreased need for blood transfusions in patients with severe bleeding.
This year, STOP THE BLEED® State Champions will share their thoughts on the importance of STOP THE BLEED® and why it is particularly important in their communities. Keep an eye on the STOP THE BLEED® ACS Twitter and Facebook
