Lieutenant Rick Schmidt of the Cape Girardeau Police Department practices applying pressure techniques under the guidance of Advanced Practice Provider Rachel Peck, NP.
Corporal Paul Zajicek and Sergeant Bryan Blanner of the Cape Girardeau Police Department partnered with Saint Francis Healthcare System to deliver Stop the Bleed® training to their officers.
Uncontrolled bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death after injury, accounting for 40% of trauma-related fatalities worldwide. Stop the Bleed® is a nationwide public health initiative aimed at saving lives by equipping individuals with the skills to control traumatic bleeding effectively.
The first training session was held on Friday, January 10. Experts from the Emergency and Level III Trauma Center at Saint Francis Healthcare System provided both educational instruction and hands-on practice. The training team included Advanced Practice Providers Kandra Voshage, PA; Rachel Peck, NP; and Aaron Dodge, PA; Trauma Coordinator Jamie Keller, RN; Emergency Department/Trauma Educator Billi Colyer, RN; and Emergency Department/Trauma Director Stephanie Nanney, RN.
The Trauma Team covered essential skills such as identifying life-threatening bleeding and performing interventions, including applying direct pressure, packing wounds, and using tourniquets. These life-saving techniques can be critical while waiting for emergency responders or during transport to a trauma center.
A second session will be held on January 24, allowing all 50 officers in the department the opportunity to participate. In addition, each officer will receive a trauma kit, generously provided by the Saint Francis Foundation, containing the tools necessary to “stop the bleed.”
Sergeant Blanner shared gratitude for the training, “The Cape Girardeau Police Department wants to sincerely thank Saint Francis Healthcare System and their amazing team for providing lifesaving supplies and training to our officers. Their team provided medical kits and “Stop the Bleed” training completely free of charge, graciously donating supplies and volunteering their time to ensure Cape Girardeau Police Officers have the necessary equipment and knowledge to make it home to their families. Thank you!”
