National Stop the Bleed Day recognized by HCA Florida Blake Hospital with community training

HCA Florida Blake Hospital is recognizing National Stop the Bleed Day today, training 40 community members in lifesaving bleeding-control techniques. The Stop the Bleed initiative was launched by the White House in October 2015 to empower citizens with military-grade hemorrhage control skills.

Uncontrolled bleeding is one of the leading causes of preventable death after injury. Stop the Bleed training teaches people how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and take immediate action until professional help arrives, including applying direct pressure, packing a wound and using a tourniquet when appropriate.

“Every moment matters in an emergency,” said CEO Steve Young. “Stop the Bleed empowers community members with simple skills that can help save a life before first responders arrive.”

HCA Florida Blake Hospital is the area’s only Level II Trauma Center, providing advanced trauma care for Bradenton, Manatee County and the surrounding region. Through Stop the Bleed education, Blake extends that lifesaving mission beyond the hospital by helping prepare residents, schools, public agencies and community organizations to respond in the critical first moments after an injury.

Since 2018, Blake Hospital has taught more than 14,000 community members the Stop the Bleed program, including representatives from the Manatee County School Board, Manatee County School Transportation, Manatee County Area Transit, Manatee County EMS and Manatee County Public Works.

As part of its community education efforts, Blake Hospital has also donated Stop the Bleed kits containing tourniquets, gauze, QuickClot and other emergency supplies to every school bus and public works truck to help ensure resources are available when every second counts to save a life.

“Prepared communities are stronger communities,” said Carol Bissinger, director of trauma at Blake Hospital. “Whether at home, at work, on the road or at a public event, knowing how to stop severe bleeding can save lives.”

Community members interested in learning more about Stop the Bleed education may visit the organization's website or contact HCA Florida Blake Hospital at (941) 567-2851 to schedule a training.

Blake Hospital thanks the following agencies for their assistance in teaching Stop the Bleed classes throughout the community:

• Cedar Hammock Fire Department
• Manatee County EMS and Community Health Program
• Step Up Suncoast
• Manatee County Sheriff’s Office
• Manatee County Public Works Department