I read that the city is wanting to place “bleeding control” kits all over town. What is behind that?
Thanks to an initiative led by the Carmel Fire Department, the City of Carmel will become the first city in America to roll out a “Bleeding Control” kit program. This program calls for sealed kits (similar to Stop the Bleed kits) that will contain a tourniquet, gloves, scissors and gauze.
Carmel’s kit will also feature a QR code that will be linked to a video that will quickly describe how to use the kit. The Fire Department has partnered with Carmel Clay Schools and have purchased the kits. One kit will be placed in every classroom in the City of Carmel, as well as school buses, public buildings, city vehicles, etc.
The idea behind the program is that no one will have to look for a kit in the event someone is injured and bleeding. It is similar to the AED’s that have been placed around the City for residents to use in order to jump start a heart if they come across a person who is suffering a heart attack.
AED’s have already proved to be beneficial during life-saving episodes in Carmel.
On September 15, at approximately 3:55 p.m., a 64-year-old man passed out while playing pickleball at the Monon Community Center. A Code Red was called to alert employees of the incident and park employees and an off-duty police offer responded. Thanks to an AED, they were able to perform a life-saving shock that resulted in the victim regaining consciousness. He was monitored and kept comfortable until Carmel Fire Department EMS arrived and transported him to the hospital.
This incident is another example of the importance of having AED’s in public locations, as well as training in CPR. The Carmel Fire Department has several initiatives in place to increase the number of trained citizens and public areas with access to life saving resources. Access to AEDs and CPR before EMS arrival has proven to significantly increase survivability.
Authored by Laura Campbell, Sue Finkam, Kevin Rider, Jeff Worrell, Sue Finkam, Bruce Kimball, Miles Nelson, Anthony Green and Adam Aasen.