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BUCKLEYS CREEK, Ky. — In preparation of classes starting in Pike County next Tuesday, Pikeville Medical Center certified teachers, faculty and staff at Mullins Elementary School in the Stop the Bleed program.
Massive bleeding from any cause, especially when a response is delayed, can result in death. PMC has assembled bags with essentials needed to start the process of stopping the bleed before EMS arrives on scene.
“We came up with our own homegrown version and we rolled that out to our local law enforcement,” said Pikeville Medical Center Trauma Nurse Scott Suttles. “Shortly after that, the American College of Surgeons with some other organizations, all got together and came out with a standard program that can be taught across the nation.”
Now that most law enforcement officers in the area are trained in the course, PMC is now hoping to spread further in the community.
“Our goal is to teach every school in Pike County and surrounding counties this class,” added Pikeville Medical Center Trauma Outreach Coordinator Angie Reed. “We think it’s very important that all the teachers have this skill to protect our children in case something happens that there is an uncontrolled bleeding accident.”
“Our purpose today is to help provide education that’s needed to the community,” said Pikeville Medical Center Trauma Surgeon Dr. Rudy Judham. “Also, we’re going to provide bags with all of these components. We hope that they never have to use it. But if they do have to use it, they will know how.” 
The Stop the Bleed program is similar to how the general public learns CPR. Anyone at the scene can act as an immediate responder and save lives if they know what to do.
“Not only in the classroom setting but this is something that can be used on the side of the road, at Walmart, at home, ballgames, anywhere … anywhere someone can get injured,” added Suttles.
For more information or to set up a Stop the Bleed training session, contact Angie Reed at Pikeville Medical Center at 606-218-6334.
