September is National Preparedness Month, a time dedicated to encouraging individuals, families, and communities to be ready for emergencies. While preparedness often brings to mind stocking up on supplies or having an evacuation plan, there’s another crucial aspect: knowing how to respond to life-threatening situations. This year, as part of your preparedness efforts, consider planning or participating in a STOP THE BLEED® training.
Why STOP THE BLEED® Training is Essential
STOP THE BLEED® is a national campaign aimed at empowering bystanders to act quickly and effectively in the event of severe bleeding. Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death in emergencies, and with the right training, you can save a life. Whether it’s due to an accident, natural disaster, or other emergency, knowing how to stop bleeding until professional help arrives is a skill everyone should have.
How to Get Started
National Preparedness Month is the perfect time to schedule a STOP THE BLEED® training session or to get involved with the STOP THE BLEED® campaign and spread awareness about the importance of bleeding control techniques. Here’s some different ways you can get started:
1. Get STOP THE BLEED® Trained: If you haven’t yet, make sure you and your loved ones are STOP THE BLEED® trained. The easiest way to find a training is to reach out to your local emergency departments, including your local Police, fire, and EMS stations to find out if they provide STOP THE BLEED® training.
2. Organize a Training Session: If you’re part of a community group, school, workplace, or faith-based organization, consider organizing a group training. The STOP THE BLEED® campaign provides resources to help you set up and promote your session, making it easier than ever to get people involved.
3. Promote Your Event: Spread the word about your training session through social media, local news outlets, and community bulletins. Use National Preparedness Month as a theme to encourage more people to participate.
4. Combine with Other Preparedness Activities: Pair your STOP THE BLEED® training with other preparedness activities, like CPR training, fire safety drills, or emergency kit workshops. This approach provides a comprehensive readiness plan for participants.
5. Become a Licensed STOP THE BLEED® Instructor: If you are a qualified individual with a medical or emergency response background, you can apply to become a STOP THE BLEED® Instructor and teach others in your community these lifesaving skills!
6. Become a STOP THE BLEED® Ambassador: If you are passionate about the STOP THE BLEED® campaign, you can become an official STOP THE BLEED® Ambassador! Join a community of other ambassadors across the world and get access to outreach materials and special promotions.
The Benefits of STOP THE BLEED® Training
By taking just an hour or two to complete a STOP THE BLEED® training, you’ll gain critical skills that can make a difference in an emergency. You’ll learn how to:
– Recognize life-threatening bleeding
– Apply pressure to stop bleeding
– Use a tourniquet effectively
– Pack wounds to control bleeding
These skills are straightforward yet powerful, and they can be applied in various scenarios, from car accidents to natural disasters.
Start a Conversation: 2024 National Preparedness Month Theme
“Talking about bad things that could happen like a disaster or emergency isn’t always easy. We may think we’re protecting the people we love by avoiding these conversations, but they are important to start taking steps to get ready and stay safe.” (Ready.gov)
This month, we encourage you to have a conversation with your friends, family, or members of your community about preparedness.
Specifically, are you and your loved ones STOP THE BLEED® trained?
After a conversation, it’s important to take action!
Get STOP THE BLEED® trained if you haven’t yet.
Spread the word about STOP THE BLEED® and make sure your community is ready.
Purchase a STOP THE BLEED® Kit for yourself or your loved ones to make sure you have all of the tools at hand to stop a life-threatening bleed.
**We only offer military grade Department of Defense approved STOP THE BLEED® Kits.
Why?
In the event of a bleeding emergency, you want to know that you have equipment that will work. There is cheaper equipment in the marketplace, but if you want to have confidence that the equipment you purchase will work when someone’s life is at stake, make sure it carries the STOP THE BLEED® mark. If it doesn’t say STOP THE BLEED®, it might not work when the time comes.**
Make a Difference This September
National Preparedness Month is all about taking proactive steps to protect yourself, your family, and your community. By planning or participating in a STOP THE BLEED® training, you’re not only preparing for emergencies—you’re also empowering yourself to save lives.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Let’s make this National Preparedness Month a time of action and readiness for all.
