Life-saving 'Stop the Bleed' course to be offered free

MOUND CITY – According to the American Red Cross, death from blood loss can occur in under five minutes. The amount of blood loss deemed to be life-threatening is equal to half a can of soda in an adult. Bleeding in children and infants can be proportionately less and still be life-threatening. If blood is flowing continuously, squirting or pooling, immediate action is required.

According to a surgeon at the University of Texas in San Antonio, injury is the leading cause of death in people younger than age 45. Many of the deaths after trauma are due to bleeding. Between 30% and 50% of trauma patients with severe shock from bleeding die from their injuries.

The Linn County Emergency Management and Rural Fire departments are offering “Stop the Bleed” training free to the public on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the county annex building at 306 Main Street in Mound City.

What stops bleeding? In this course, attendees will learn three quick techniques to help save a life before someone bleeds out:

1. How to use your hands to apply pressure to a wound.

2. How to pack a wound to control bleeding.

3. How to correctly apply a tourniquet.

These three techniques will empower attendees to assist in an emergency and potentially save a life.

The Stop the Bleed course is for ages 16 and older, who are interested in learning this lifesaving skill. Citizens who are interested in attending the class please can contact the Emergency Management office at 1-888-502-2008 or by email to lsimons@linncountyem.org.