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Since adopting the "Stop the Bleed, Save a Life" program in August 2017, Osceola Regional Medical Center has educated more than 3,000 Central Floridians on critical bleeding-control skills.
Recent news events have highlighted the need for bystanders to be prepared to respond to medical emergencies. Launched in 2015 by the White House, Stop the Bleed is a national awareness campaign that prepares people to assist before professional help arrives. The training covers techniques such as dressing wounds, applying a tourniquet and correctly applying pressure.
The hospital's Trauma Services department has taught the class 72 times in eight Central Florida counties to people ages 6 to 95, with audiences including EMS agencies, churches, schools, hospitals, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. It has also held 15 "train the trainer" courses for prospective instructors.
Led by Osceola Regional's trauma educator, Michelle Rud, the initiative is part of a hospital-wide effort to care for critically injured patients and address preventable trauma deaths. The hospital's Level II Trauma Center has treated more than 3,000 patients since opening in 2015, expanding access to treatment that often means the difference between life and death.
"We have been very encouraged by the public's response to our 'Stop the Bleed' trainings," said Rud. "These skills are vitally important for people of all ages to learn, and our community has shown a significant interest in this education."
Davide Carbone, CEO of Osceola Regional Medical Center, added, "Osceola Regional Medical Center is proud to educate our community on these critical skills. Our team is committed to keeping the Osceola community healthy and safe, and these classes play an important role in that mission."
For more information about the initiative, visit bleedingcontrol.org.
