21/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 22/08/2024 01:06
PITTSBURGH - Allegheny Health Network (AHN), Highmark Health's Equitable Health Institute and the City of Pittsburgh's Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) gathered today in Pittsburgh's Hill District to host a Stop the Bleed® and CPR/AED training clinic for 30 youth football coaches within the city.
Uncontrolled bleeding is the number one cause of preventable death from trauma. In fact, blood loss is responsible for 35% of all pre-hospital deaths. AHN's Stop the Bleed community trainings are part of a national initiative which aims to train bystanders to be the best first responders to those who are traumatically injured. The trainings provide lifesaving skills that can help stop or limit bleeding from a wound until EMS or other first responders arrive.
Following the Stop the Bleed training provided by certified instructors and nurses from AHN's Allegheny General Hospital as part of the Employee Safety Collaborative, City of Pittsburgh paramedics trained and certified participants to provide first aid, CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely and effective manner. They also taught them how to administer the opioid overdose reversal medication known as Narcan.
"In any situation in which an injury could occur, these community-based trainings are critically important for equipping individuals at the scene to act as immediate responders and save lives," said Allan Philp, MD, system trauma medical director and chief medical officer, AGH. "We are pleased to partner with the City of Pittsburgh to help provide area coaches with the knowledge and skills needed to help safeguard young athletes in our region."
Teams from AHN trauma centers have conducted Stop the Bleed trainings in communities across western PA since 2016. Participants receive bleeding control kits which include tourniquets, pressure dressings, gauze and gloves.
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