The Centralia Police Department held its first Stop the Bleed Save a Life training session Wednesday night.
School Resource Officer John Henkel says the course is designed to let non-medical personnel provide aid until emergency medical responders reach the scene.
“Different types of bleeding you could encounter at home, school, the workplace and ways to control that bleeding using normal everyday things or things you can buy commercially. We are doing this class to help the community to help their friend, neighbor, or loved one who may be in need. It’s a pretty simple course. Takes about an hour and a half to complete. Complete with instruction and hands-on training.”
The initiative was created by the American College of Surgeons to deal with uncontrolled bleeding which could lead to death n a very short time.
Sixteen were in attendance for the first community training session held in the former Centralia City Council Chambers at the Emergency Services building.
Centralia Police Chief Chris Locke says they will offer the program periodically and will schedule one of the presentations if there is a group or organization that has 20 people who want it conducted just for them. He sees the program as another way the police department can have positive interactions with city residents.
The department will be holding the training sessions periodically. The next one is expected to be held in July.
