With recent mass shooting tragedies, some may wonder what to do during a disaster. Wesley Medical Center is hoping to help people become more prepared with active shooter and bleeding control training classes this week.
The hospital’s trauma services department will host free classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Wesley’s Cessna Conference room at 550 N. Hillside in Wichita. It’s a part of the national “Stop the Bleed” campaign, aimed at encouraging bystanders to become trained, equipped and empowered to help people before a professional arrives to a scene.
A person who is bleeding can die from blood loss within five minutes, and a class like this could save lives, organizers say. Students will learn how provide initial care by using proper tourniquet techniques and wound packing, among other topics.
“Everyone needs to be prepared in the event of a mass shooting or other tragedy where people are injured,” said Gary Poindexter, Wesley’s EMS coordinator, in a statement. “We are hoping to equip everyday people – bystanders – with the knowledge and tools they need to respond to a situation in which people are hurt.”
Classes will be held:
· Monday, March 26: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m.
· Wednesday, March 26: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
· Friday, March 30: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m.