Clarkston Community Schools teachers and staff are learning how to Stop the Bleed, with the help of St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Trauma Center and Independence Township firefighters.
They learned how to use bandages and tourniquets to stop the bleeding from different kinds of wounds following a traumatic event, before medical help arrives.
“Things we hopefully will never have to use but need to be prepared for,” said Sashabaw Middle School Principal Elizabeth Walker, at a Sept. 26 training. “It’s difficult training, but a good opportunity for our staff not just in school, but at home and in the community.”
Ten training sessions were scheduled throughout the district, with the goal of training nearly 700 employees from the middle school, seven elementary schools, Clarkston Junior High, Clarkston High School, and Renaissance High School.
“When we heard about Stop the Bleed, we knew it was something we wanted to bring to Clarkston through St. Joseph Mercy Oakland,” said Clarkston Community Schools Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services John Lucido. “While it’s unsettling to think about the circumstances that would necessitate this training, it’s absolutely imperative that we equip our teachers with this life-saving education.”
Launched in October 2015, Stop the Bleed is a national awareness campaign and call to action to train, equip, and empower citizens to help in an emergency before professional help arrives.
For more information on the free on-site training for businesses, schools, and religious organizations, call St. Joseph Mercy Oakland at 248-858-6690.
– Phil Custodio