HCPSS Health Staff Participate in “Stop the Bleed” Training

August 31st, 2018

As HCPSS staff prepare for the arrival of students for the 2018-19 school year, 9th grade health teachers received training and resources to deliver effective instruction to students in life threatening bleeding control identification, instruction and skill practice. In partnership with the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS), the “Stop the Bleed” training aligns with the 9th grade “Safety & Injury Prevention” curriculum requiring every student to demonstrate the ability to respond appropriately to emergency situations.

“Safety and security requires a multi-prong approach, and as we improve the physical security of our schools and add mental health services, it is also critical that we are prepared for emergencies,” said HCPSS Superintendent Michael J. Martirano. “This program is a wonderful example of County government and the school system partnering to support our emergency preparedness efforts.”

Teachers took a hands-on approach to professional learning by applying tourniquets to one another and packing wounds on an instructional tool that will be provided to each teacher as part of a kit supplied by HCDFRS. This train-the-trainer model consists of HCDFRS personnel training approximately 20 HCPSS high school health teachers who will then educate approximately 4500 students county-wide in life threatening bleeding control identification, instruction and skill practice..

“Partnering with our schools is a priority for Howard County,” said Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman. “I’m proud that our schools and public safety departments have strong relationships that affect positive change. Risk reduction programs, such as ‘Stop the Bleed’ and public access to life safety resources, create educational opportunities to prevent injuries, assist others and make a real difference.”

“We have been successful in stocking the schools with “Stop the Bleed” kits and training over 4,000 community members over the past two years,” said Fire Chief John S. Butler. “The natural next step is making sure students are aware of the kits and how to properly use them in the event of an emergency. This program will ensure Howard County students are educated and prepared.”