SMITH CENTER, Kan. – Medical staff at Smith County Memorial Hospital will offer Stop the Bleed training as part of LandMark’s Parts & Service Expo on Thursday, Dec. 13.
Stop the Bleed is a national program developed as a response to manmade and natural mass casualty events. Laura Kingsbury, ER supervisor, and Justin Overmiller, chief medical officer, will lead the presentation from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Following the presentation, personnel from SCMH, Smith County EMS and Smith County Health Department will lead hands-on training.
“While the program was created for mass casualty, our community knows too well the tragedy of farm accidents,” Kingsbury said. “We want to educate others so they don’t feel unprepared and far from help when something happens.”
The presentation, which focuses on the importance of controlling bleeding immediately—especially in cases where response is delayed—will include training on the use of Combat Action Tourniquets and Bleeding Control Kits.
“Training in Stop the Bleed is critical for our ag professionals,” Overmiller said. “Teaching our community how to respond to an emergency before EMS arrives can be the difference between life and death.”
He notes that anyone can take action to save a life if they know what to do.
“Our goal is for everyone to feel prepared in emergency situations,” Overmiller said. “It is typical practice to take swimming lessons or learn CPR and the general public should be educated in this type of response as well.”
Several generous sponsors have donated tourniquets and bleeding control kits that will be given away to attendees who want to take the next step in preparation by receiving training at the Expo.
“We’re thrilled with the response from LandMark and our other sponsors,” Kingsbury said. “It feels good to know that our area businesses support and welcome this training for their employees and customers.”
To receive more information about the Stop the Bleed program or to sponsor tourniquets or bleeding control kits, contact Laura Kingsbury at (785) 282-6845.