PHOENIX, Ariz. –
Soldiers from the U.S. Army’s Phoenix Medical Recruiting Station, along with regional medical professionals, trained local residents in Stop the Bleed events held here on March 31.
“This free training teaches bystanders life-saving techniques,” said Major Michael Hay, officer-in-charge of the Phoenix Medical Recruiting Station. Victims of trauma are susceptible to critical blood loss and death can occur in minutes.”
“Everyone has the power to stop life-threatening bleeding,” said Hay, “whether those injuries are caused by accidents at home, at work or from a mass-casualty event.”
“In the case an emergency where people are bleeding,” said Hay, “studies have shown that immediate stopping of the loss of blood can lead to greatly increased survivability rates for victims.”
The free training was held at the Maricopa Integrated Health System Auditorium and instructed attendees on how stop bleeding for extremity wounds by applying direct pressure, packing a wound with gauze, and tourniquets.
Hay and his Soldiers have conducted seven training classes and two classes for trainers.
Hay, a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, was a 68W, Combat Medic Specialist for 13 years prior to his assignment as the officer-in-charge of the Phoenix Medical Recruiting Station. He has served as a paramedic and flight paramedic for over 23 years as both a civilian and as a member of the Army.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Stop the Bleed campaign was launched by the White House in 2015 as a national awareness program intended to encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives.
Stop the Bleed Day is a grassroots initiative to raise awareness for the official Stop the Bleed program and locally, Governor Douglas A. Ducey proclaimed March 31, 2018 as Stop the Bleed Day for the state.
For individuals interested in any of more than 80 medical careers in the U.S. Army, visit http://healthcare.goarmy.com online.