Jefferson County EMA Provides Schools With ‘Stop the Bleed’ Kits

The Jefferson County Emergency Medical Agency has provided Jefferson County Schools Stop the Bleed Kits as part of a National Campaign to provide immediate, frontline aid for emergency injuries until first responders arrive. These kits have been made available to the Jefferson County EMA through a grant funded by the East TN Healthcare Coalition in partnership with District 2 Homeland Security.

By learning how to help in an emergency lives may be saved by shortening the delay between the time of injury and the time a first responder is on the scene. Being able to recognize life threatening bleeding and knowing what to do, are key factors to protect students or staff during an emergency. Training for volunteers in the schools will follow as these kits are distributed to our campuses. Training includes recognizing bleeding that is life-threatening as well as hands-on skills training in applying direct pressure to wounds, wound packing and tourniquet application.  Staff will learn how to use a tourniquet, properly pack gauze and apply pressure to stop bleeding.

Dr. Shane Johnston, Director of Schools, states, “It is always special to see multiple agencies come together to provide for the needs of our students and to be proactive in the planning around school safety issues.” “We are excited and grateful to receive this gift and look forward to working together to meet the needs of our students.”