Recently, students from FSCJ’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program took an active role in Stop the Bleed (STB), a nationwide campaign intended to encourage individuals to become trained, equipped and empowered to help in an emergency.

Last month’s event trained approximately 40 officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO). EMS students participated by volunteering as injured patients during the scenario training. According to Tom McCrone, EMS program director, there have been eight documented saves from JSO officers as a result of this training over the years.

Originally motivated by the 2012 tragedy in Sandy Hook and other tragedies that have occurred in recent years, the significance of this training is critical.  

This year’s class has been certified as STB Instructors by the American College of Surgeons and are conducting classes at North Campus. Individuals need basic training in bleeding control principles so they are able to provide immediate, frontline aid until first responders take over care of an injured person. Without intervention in these circumstances, preventable deaths will occur.   

To date, McCrone said that they have helped train more than 400 individuals including medical assisting students, security officers and members of law enforcement agencies.

For more information, visit bleedingcontrol.org.