B. J. Ringhouse1, R. Gonzalez1, H. Ton-That1, M. Anstadt1, D. Lavigne1, J. Justiniano1, P. Patel1 1Loyola Universtiy Medical Center,Surgery,Maywood, IL, USA
Introduction: Uncontrolled hemorrhage remains one of the leading causes of preventable traumatic death. The "Stop the Bleed" campaign teaches lay people how to control life-threatening bleeding allowing for earlier intervention and improving outcomes. This study aims to assess the impact of this course on participant preparedness and willingness to intervene when faced with life-threatening bleeding.
Methods: This survey-based study utilized a pre and post intervention questionnaire. The intervention consisted of an hour long "Stop the Bleed" didactic and interactive lesson focused on recognition of life-threatening bleeding and methods of bleeding control including direct pressure and tourniquet application. The survey focused on preparedness and willingness to assist in situations of life-threatening bleeding and barriers to providing assistance. Data was collected and analyzed to evaluate trends.
Results: 54 people participated in the course, of which 44 individuals submitted a pre and post questionnaire and were included in the study analysisi. Most were inner-city youth with median age of 17, mihnoritiues, and had no first-aid experience. After the "Stop the Bleed" course, willingness to assist increased to 100%. The reported comfort in using direct pressure techniques increased by 54% (pre 46%; post 100%) and in applying a tourniquet increased by 72% (pre 28%; post 100%). In addition, there was a reduction in barriers to intervening in life-threatening bleeding, specifically the fear of making a mistake or causing more harm.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that after a 1-hour intervention, 100% of participants felt trained to use direct pressure and tourniquets to control bleeding and were willing to assist in the setting of life-threatening bleeding. Our results establish the "Stop the Bleed" campaign as a meaningful resource to train bystanders in an at-risk population and possibly reduce preventable deaths due to uncontrolled bleeding.
