Protect Our Kids: a novel program bringing hemorrhage control to schools

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Public Health
• Pediatric Trauma

Background:

• The "Stop the Bleed" program was developed to train bystanders in hemorrhage control following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
• Public schools in the region lacked widespread hemorrhage control training despite existing critical incident response programs.
• A novel program was created to integrate hemorrhage control into existing critical incident training for school staff.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop, implement, and evaluate a program integrating hemorrhage control into critical incident training for school staff.
• To enhance the preparedness of school personnel to manage mass casualty events involving severe bleeding.
• To mitigate the impact of mass casualty incidents on children through improved bystander hemorrhage control skills.

Main Methods:

• A 90-minute course, "Protect Our Kids," was delivered to staff at 25 elementary and middle schools.
• The training incorporated "Stop the Bleed" principles into the existing critical incident training curriculum.
• On-site training was conducted by police officers, nurses, and doctors, followed by participant and trainer surveys.

Main Results:

• 1,018 educators, primarily teachers, completed the training.
• The "Protect Our Kids" program received widespread media coverage and was rated as excellent and effective by the majority of trainees and all trainers.
• Hemorrhage control kits and educational materials were distributed to participating schools.

Conclusions:

• A collaborative approach involving trauma centers, police, and school systems can effectively deliver large-scale hemorrhage control training in schools.
• The "Protect Our Kids" program demonstrates a successful model for enhancing school safety and response to critical incidents.
• Integrating hemorrhage control into existing training is a viable strategy to improve outcomes in mass casualty events affecting children.