Plaster Student Union staff members took time away from their staff meeting to learn how to save a life. Mercy Trauma Services and MSU’s Emergency Management provided bleeding control training to the 19 participants. In less than one hour, the staff learned how to apply direct pressure, apply a tourniquet and to pack a wound.

The Department of Homeland Security initiated the Stop the Bleed campaign. Stop the Bleed is a national program to teach bleeding control techniques to citizens. It was the result of various active shooter incidents where victims died as a result of blood loss. However, it applies to any situation where someone suffers life-threatening bleeding. This could include motor vehicle accidents, work accidents, and hunting accidents.

Missouri State University is a community partner in providing this training. MSU has placed bleeding control kits in each of its automated external defibrillator (AED) cabinets. The cabinets are located in many buildings across campus. I encourage all members of our campus community to attend this free training. If you would like to set up training for you or your group, contact me at dhall@missouristate.edu or 417-836-8444.