Paramedics, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are collaborating to offer free lifesaving training across St. Charles County to commemorate World Trauma Day. On Saturday, October 17, representatives from St. Charles County Ambulance District [SCCAD], BJC Healthcare, and SSM Health will offer multiple sessions of Stop the Bleed – a 45-minute course designed to instill confidence in bystanders to control life-threatening bleeding.
“Severe bleeding is a critical medical emergency that requires immediate intervention because certain wounds can quickly lose significant amounts of blood, making every second vital for survival,” said SCCAD Chief Medical Officer Dr. David K. Tan.
Developed by the American College of Surgeons, Stop the Bleed classes are designed for those with little to no medical background, covering bleeding control techniques such as direct pressure, wound packing, and tourniquet use. The class blends lecture with hands-on practical learning opportunities.
Thanks to a grant from St. Louis Area Regional Response Team, everyone who successfully completes the Stop the Bleed training at one of the World Trauma Day sessions will receive a bleeding control kit for their home, vehicle, or office.
Sessions will be held at the following locations and times on October 17:
- Cuivre River Electric Cooperative (8757 State Rte. N, Lake St. Louis)
- 10 a.m. & 11 a.m.
- Cottle Village (6740 State Rte. N, Cottleville)
- 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
- St. Charles County Ambulance District Headquarters (2000 Salt River Rd., St. Peters)
- 1 p.m. & 2 p.m.
- St. Charles Police Department (1781 Zumbehl Rd., St. Charles)
- 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Training is offered at no cost, but advance registration is required: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A48A8A62DA4FE3-65569775-stop#/
Stop the Bleed is recommended for individuals age 12 or older.