Traumatic bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death, accounting for at least 30% of trauma-related fatalities. Recognizing the critical importance of immediate response, Brown Surgical Associates’ Elizabeth Renaud, MD, has become a local champion of the national ‘Stop the Bleed’ campaign, an initiative launched by the American College of Surgeons to educate the public on controlling life-threatening bleeding.
In a recent interview with Channel 10’s Barbara Morse, Dr. Renaud, the pediatric trauma director at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, emphasizes the urgency of the situation: “A person can bleed out before EMS arrives. Once the tank is empty, it’s really hard to get them back,” she said.
The ‘Stop the Bleed’ program teaches essential techniques such as applying direct pressure, wound packing, and using tourniquets. These skills are vital in emergencies like car accidents, shootings, or household injuries. Training sessions are offered free of charge and are already being implemented in some schools.
In Rhode Island, Dr. Renaud is advocating for legislation (SB391) known as the School Trauma Kit Act, aiming to equip schools with bleeding control kits and ensure trained individuals are present at events. She and others will be promoting this cause at the Rhode Island State House this Thursday at 3 PM.
Brown Surgical Associates encourages everyone to participate in ‘Stop the Bleed’ training. By learning these life-saving techniques, individuals can make a significant difference in emergencies.
For more information and to find a training session near you, visit www.stopthebleed.org.
The below video has more details about the Stop the Bleed campaign.
