'Stop the Bleed' lesson shared

WELLEN PARK — A long list of area healthcare centers assisted residents in gaining skills that could save lives down the line.

HCA Florida Healthcare held free Stop the Bleed and Hands-Only CPR training sessions during August in Venice, Wellen Park, Bradenton and and Fort Myers, according to a news release.

“The first few minutes of an emergency are often the most critical,” emergency physician Dr. Brandon Coffey stated in the news release. “Whether someone is experiencing cardiac arrest or severe bleeding, bystanders who know what to do can make the difference between life and death.”

The initiative was brought by HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital, along with HCA Florida Blake Hospital, HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital, HCA Florida Lehigh Hospital and HCA’s network of Florida emergency room facilities.

“Participants received hands-on instruction from specially trained emergency care professionals,” it stated.

With Stop the Bleed, participants learned about recognizing life-threatening bleeding, applying direct pressure and how to pack a wound until emergency medical personnel arrive, the news release noted.

Venice and Fort Myers participants also practiced Hands-Only CPR that can help someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, it stated.

“According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals each year, and immediate CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival,” the news release noted. “Severe bleeding can become fatal in as little as three to five minutes, often before emergency medical services can arrive, according to the American College of Surgeons.”

The training included sessions at Solis Hall at Downtown Wellen Park in Venice; HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton and Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers. More than 100 people participated, it stated.

“By offering the training at no cost, HCA Florida Healthcare aims to give community members the knowledge and confidence to respond when seconds matter,” it stated.

For more information, visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.