Kiwanis Park ‘Stop the Bleed’ fundraiser Sunday
The Greater Pine Island Kiwanis Club is holding another fundraiser at the St. James City Civic Association Sunday, Aug 4, from 2-4 p.m., to raise funds to rebuild the old Lions Club children’s playground. The fundraiser is to educate islanders about bleeding control.
“With outdoor action and activities so prevalent on our island also comes the risk of injury,” Joe Hernandez, EMS medical coordinator for FEMA Urban Search and Rescue National Disaster Response System said. “This is where ‘Stop the Bleed’ program could make the difference between life or death.”
“Stop the Bleed” is a 45-minute hands-on class that teaches immediate bleeding control actions to take before emergency services can arrive on a scene. The objective is for participants to leave with an understanding of how to take action and control life-threatening bleeding.
Uncontrolled bleeding wounds can leave the victim with only a matter of minutes to live. “Stop the Bleed” offers instructions and demonstration on how to control bleeding using three methods: a tourniquet for limbs and extremities, packing the wound with gauze or whatever may be available in an emergency situation and by applying direct pressure. ABC bleeding control!
“Apply pressure where the blood is coming out,” Hernandez said. “You may need to remove or rip open some of the victim’s clothing to access the injury. Grab a shirt, a towel, a sock, a fabric bag it doesn’t have to be clean. Put the cloth over the wound and push down continuously and forcefully on it with both hands until the bleeding stops.”
Why is this class important? Because at some time, it can affect anyone! Emergency responders are very quick to respond to a call, but even the fastest and closest responders will not likely arrive in those crucial minutes that can mean life or death in the event of a bleeding wound.
“The only thing more tragic than a death from bleeding is a death that could have been prevented,” Hernandez said. “Take the first step to becoming an empowered initial responder.”
Organizers said this may be the best $10 you ever spent. Not only will you learn how to save-a-life but will be contributing to the children of Pine Island and their playground.
If you or your organization are interested in this “Stop the Bleed” instruction and fund raiser, please call Cindy Bickford at 954-249-5512 or Susan Saulsbery at 239-560-6286.