Stop The Bleed

Stop The Bleed

The “Stop the Bleed” course is designed to teach individuals how to respond to bleeding emergencies effectively. It’s a crucial skill set for both everyday situations and emergencies, helping to control severe bleeding until professional medical help arrives. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from the course:

Course Objectives:

Recognize Bleeding:

  • Understand the types of bleeding (arterial, venous, capillary) and how to identify severe bleeding.

    Control Bleeding:

  • Apply Direct Pressure: Learn how to use cloths or bandages to apply pressure directly to the wound.
  • Use Tourniquets: Understand when and how to apply a tourniquet to control severe arterial bleeding from limbs.
  • Pack Wounds: For severe bleeding that doesn’t respond to direct pressure, learn how to pack the wound with gauze to control bleeding.

    Manage Shock:

  • Recognize signs of shock (e.g., pale skin, rapid pulse) and learn how to manage it by keeping the person calm and comfortable, and elevating their legs if possible.

    Hands-On Practice:

  • Practice techniques using realistic scenarios and mannequins to gain confidence and skill in controlling bleeding.

Course Content:

Introduction to Bleeding:

    • Overview of anatomy related to bleeding.
    • Discussion on how bleeding can be life-threatening.

First Aid Techniques:

    • Detailed instructions on how to apply direct pressure, use tourniquets, and pack wounds.
    • Demonstration of proper techniques and tools.

Scenario Practice:

    • Hands-on practice with simulations to apply learned skills in a controlled environment.

Review and Certification:

    • Recap of key points and techniques.
    • Certification or acknowledgement of participation (if applicable).

How to Take the Course:

Prepare for the Course:

    • Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to participate in hands-on activities.

Utilize Resources:

    • After completing the course, review the materials provided and practice techniques regularly to keep your skills sharp.

Importance:

Save Lives:

    • Effective bleeding control can be the difference between life and death in emergencies.

Boost Confidence:

    • Knowing what to do in a bleeding emergency helps you act quickly and calmly.

Community Impact:

    • Being trained empowers you to assist others in need, potentially saving lives in critical situations.

The “Stop the Bleed” course is an invaluable skill set that equips you to handle severe bleeding emergencies effectively and confidently.

This course is two hours in length. All students will receive a certificate of completion upon completing the course. The class is taught by an experienced instructor in CPR/AED, First Aid, and Advanced Bleeding Control. Parking is free. Class Minimum: 4 students

Cancellation & Reschedule Policy:

NO REFUND if you cancel with less than 7 days’ notice
*Cancellations received at least 7 days before class may request a refund minus a $5 processing fee or receive full credit to another class.
*Cancellations received less than 7 days but at least 24 hours before class can be rescheduled with a $10 rescheduling fee. One reschedule is allowed, and your rescheduled class must take place within 90 days of the original class date.
*Cancellations received less than 24 hours before class and “no shows” will not be issued a refund.

SHTF – It Won’t Be Like You See In The Movies!

SHTF - It Wont Be Like You See In The Movies

We often use SHTF (Shit Hits The Fan) to describe a major collapse: economic meltdown, natural disaster, pandemic, or societal breakdown. The movies turn these into adrenaline-filled sensations: zombie hordes, lone heroes fighting marauders, or instant chaos with epic battles. Truth hits differently. Genuine SHTF scenarios drag on with boredom, bureaucracy, and quiet desperation. Survivors from hurricanes, economic crises, and blackouts reveal a far less glamorous truth: endurance tests of patience, community, and basic needs.

Movies show you constant threats, immediate violence, and courageous stands. Actual disasters unfold slowly. Hurricane survivors described days of waiting on rooftops for rescue, not fighting off invaders. One survivor shared the terror of rising water and isolation, followed by weeks of mud cleanup and supply shortages. No dramatic chases; just endless lines for water, food, and ice.

Empty store shelves become the nightmare, not bandit raids.

We debunk the “lone wolf” myth. Movies celebrate solo survival, but real accounts underscore community, neighbors sharing generators, food, and labor.

After storms, communities organize cleanups and aid distribution. Seclusion kills faster than threats; mental strain from loss, uncertainty, and monotony dominates. Survivors report depression, guilt over surviving while others suffer, and the endless grind of rebuilding without power or clean water.

Violence? Infrequent compared to movies. Most danger comes from lack of clean water, disease, poor sanitation, or accidents. In prolonged crises like Venezuela’s economic collapse, hyperinflation, and shortages, malnutrition and emigration resulted, not widespread looting. We warn against imagining “bugging out” with arsenals. Facts demand that we have access to sustainable food, clean water, and medical care.

The biggest shock: tedium.

Days blend into one another, waiting for help, power restoration, or supply trucks. No epic soundtracks; just insects, heat, thirst, hunger, and worry.

Smart preparedness focuses on reality: stockpile basics for at least 2 weeks, build local networks, and learn skills such as animal husbandry, gardening, and advanced first aid. Mental resilience matters most; practice stress management now.

SHTF won’t deliver movie thrills. It will test your patience, relationships, and resourcefulness in quiet, grinding ways. Prepare for the mundane marathon, not the action movie.

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

Wilderness First Aid, Just For Help In The Wilderness?

Wilderness First Aid

Wilderness First Aid isn’t just for remote adventures. It’s a skill set that helps anytime you can’t get help right away.

The risks you face at home, at work, or on the road aren’t all that different from what you’d find on a trail. The real game-changer is how long it takes for help to arrive. When you’re on your own, what you do next really counts.

So, when does wilderness first aid matter?

Anytime you’re stuck waiting for help, and supplies run low. Or when you realize you’ll need to handle an injury much longer than you’d like.

Picture it: A snowstorm blocks the roads. The power goes out, and you can’t call anyone. Your car breaks down miles from anywhere. Ever found yourself in a spot like that?

The key is to shift your thinking. You’re not just waiting for someone to rescue you—you’re in charge of the problem. That means you’re keeping someone stable, stopping minor issues from turning into big ones, and making decisions when things get stressful. And this way of thinking works just as well in your living room as it does in the woods.

First things first: control the scene. Don’t just rush in. Take a breath. Look around for anything dangerous. Only move if you have to. Let’s say someone slips in the garage and there’s fuel spilled everywhere. You clear out the danger before you help. You have to protect yourself first, or you’re no good to anyone else.

Now, zero in on what matters most: bleeding, breathing, and consciousness. Is someone losing blood fast? Are they breathing? Are they awake? These checks take just a few seconds, but they steer everything you do next.

You don’t need fancy gear. Clean towels can stop bleeding. Tape can hold a splint in place. A jacket keeps someone warm. Maybe you use a towel to press on a cut or a hiking pole to stabilize an ankle. You make do with what you’ve got.

Keep an eye on the time. Keep checking for changes. Be ready to adjust if things shift. Waiting a long time for help can make things worse—pain gets worse, people get colder, and everyone gets tired. Your job is steady care, not a quick fix.

Practice all this at home. Run through “what if” scenarios. Build a kit for your car and stash supplies at home. Train with your family. Ask yourself: Could you handle an injury overnight? Do you know where your stuff is?

Wilderness first aid is really about being ready, not about where you are. If you can adapt, pay attention, and act with purpose, you’re already putting it to use.

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

On-Demand 1:1 & Private Group Wilderness First Aid Certification

NW Survival training in the wilderness

One-on-one or small group Wilderness First Aid training is now available!

If you’re on an urgent timeline, live in an area without regularly scheduled classes, want to train with your group for an upcoming trip, or prefer personalized instruction, this option is for you.

Earn the same trusted WFA certification every Survival Med student gets – on your schedule.

The hybrid format starts with 8 hours of self-paced online study, followed by an 8-hour in-person session with your local instructor to practice scenarios, hands-on skills and more.

One-on-one or small group Wilderness First Aid training is now available!

How it Works

  • Message your instructor with your/your group’s specific needs & location
  • Coordinate the time, date, and location with your instructor
  • Confirm your price
  • Complete the self-paced online course
  • Complete the 8-hour in-person skills assessment
  • Receive personalized instruction and real-time feedback
  • Get your Wilderness First Aid certificate!

    Survival Med Exclusives

  • Free bonus webinars every month, in addition to your certification course
  • Free downloadable textbooks

    Prerequisites:

CPR/AED/First Aid Certification

Wilderness First Aid Information Request
Name

The Fall Of Venezuela – What Happened! Are You Ready?

Venezuela

The Fall of Venezuela: A Chronicle of Economic and Political Decline

Venezuela, once Latin America’s wealthiest nation, has endured a profound economic and political collapse over the past two decades, driven by policy missteps, oil dependency, and international pressures.

Historical Foundations of Prosperity and Early Cracks

In the mid-20th century, Venezuela thrived as a petrostate, with oil revenues fueling rapid development and social stability. By the 1970s, it boasted the region’s highest per capita income, attracting immigrants and funding expansive welfare programs. However, cracks emerged in the late 1970s. Falling oil prices exposed vulnerabilities, leading to a sharp economic reversal. Between 1978 and 2001, non-oil GDP fell by nearly 19%, while oil GDP fell by 65%. Corruption, inequality, and failed diversification efforts set the stage for populist upheaval.

The Chávez Era: Revolution and Rising Risks (1999-2013)

Hugo Chávez’s 1998 election marked a turning point. Promising to redistribute wealth, he launched the Bolivarian Revolution, using oil windfalls from high global prices to fund social missions in health, education, and housing. These initiatives reduced poverty from 50% to 25% by 2012. Yet, his policies sowed seeds of decline. Nationalizations of key industries, including oil giant PDVSA, eroded efficiency and deterred investment. Price controls and currency manipulations distorted markets, fostering shortages and corruption. By the time of Chávez’s death in 2013, oil production had begun to falter, and inflation was creeping up.

Maduro’s Leadership: Deepening Crisis (2013-Present)

Nicolás Maduro, Chávez’s successor, inherited a fragile economy that collapsed under his watch. Oil prices crashed in 2014, slashing revenues by over 50%. Maduro’s response—intensifying controls, printing money, and ignoring reforms—triggered hyperinflation, peaking at over 1,000,000 % in 2018. GDP contracted by more than 75% from 2013 to 2021, marking the worst peacetime economic disaster in modern history. Basic goods vanished from shelves, leading to widespread hunger and disease outbreaks.

Politically, Maduro consolidated power amid growing opposition. The 2015 parliamentary elections saw the opposition win a majority, but the government undermined it through court rulings and a parallel assembly. Protests in 2017 and 2019 were met with repression, resulting in thousands arrested and over 300 deaths. The 2018 presidential election, boycotted by opponents and marred by irregularities, led to international non-recognition.

U.S. sanctions, imposed since 2017 and tightened in 2019, banned oil imports and targeted officials, exacerbating the downturn. By 2025, these measures will remain in place, though partial relief through oil licenses has spurred a modest recovery.

Social and Humanitarian Toll

The crisis has devastated society. Poverty rates soared to 96% by 2019, with millions relying on government food boxes. Healthcare collapsed, with hospitals lacking supplies and infant mortality rising 30% between 2013 and 2016. Over 6.8 million Venezuelans fled by May 2025, creating Latin America’s largest migration crisis. Crime surged in the vacuum, making Caracas one of the world’s most dangerous cities.

Recent Developments and Outlook in 2025

By 2024, GDP grew 5.3%, but the economy is half its 2013 size. The disputed 2024 presidential election, in which Maduro claimed victory amid allegations of fraud, prolonged instability. Political persecution and civic restrictions persist, forcing more emigration. As of late 2025, U.S.-Venezuela relations remain tense, with sanctions tied to democratic reforms.

Venezuela’s fall underscores the perils of resource dependence and authoritarian governance. Recovery demands diversification, institutional rebuilds, and international cooperation. Until then, millions continue to suffer the consequences of a once-promising nation’s tragic descent.

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

Injuries Occur Suddenly Without Warning – Think You Will Be Ready?

Injuries Occur Suddenly Without Warning - Think You Will Be Ready?

Injuries Occur Suddenly Without Warning — So the only way to be ready is to prepare before anything happens.

When accidents strike, there’s rarely time to think, gather supplies, or Google what to do—your response must be almost automatic. Here’s a simple, clear step-by-step guide to help you build that kind of readiness.

How to Be Ready Before an Injury Happens

Build a Basic First Aid Kit

You don’t need a medic’s backpack—just the essentials that let you stop bleeding, protect wounds, and stabilize someone until help arrives.
Include bandages, gauze, tape, gloves, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, tweezers, scissors, and an emergency blanket.
Keep one kit at home, one in your vehicle, and one in your go-bag.

Learn the Fundamentals of First Aid

Knowing how to use your supplies matters more than having them.
Take a First Aid/CPR/AED class.
Even learning online tutorials on wound care, burns, sprains, and choking can help you act fast when seconds count.

Practice Your Response

Preparation becomes a habit through repetition.
Run small “drills” with your family—practice finding your kit, calling for help, or dealing with a pretend injury.
The goal isn’t perfection; it’s familiarity.

Set Up Quick-Access Stations

Make sure your supplies are stored where you can reach them quickly.

  • A kit in the kitchen for cooking accidents
  • One in the garage for tools and yardwork
  • One in your vehicle for travel or breakdowns
    Label them clearly so anyone in your home can grab what they need fast.

Address the Most Likely Injuries First

Every household has predictable risks.

  • Kids? Plan for cuts, falls, and sprains.
  • DIY projects? Plan for minor punctures or burns.
  • Outdoor hobbies? Plan for insect bites, dehydration, or heat injuries.
    Focus first on the scenarios you’re most likely to face.

Keep Emergency Contacts Handy

Have your doctor, pediatrician, vet (for pets), and local emergency numbers saved on your phone and written down somewhere visible.
In an emergency, clarity beats scrambling.

Review and Refresh Your Supplies

Bandages degrade, ointments expire, and supplies get used.
Check your kits every 3 months and restock as needed.
A little upkeep prevents big surprises.

Build a Calm Mindset

Preparedness isn’t just gear—it’s confidence.
When you know you have the tools and training, it’s easier to stay steady in a stressful moment. And a calm responder is often the most effective one.

Being prepared isn’t dramatic or complicated—it’s simple habits that create readiness long before an injury ever happens.

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

Stop The Bleed

Stop The Bleed

The “Stop the Bleed” course is designed to teach individuals how to respond to bleeding emergencies effectively. It’s a crucial skill set for both everyday situations and emergencies, helping to control severe bleeding until professional medical help arrives. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from the course:

Course Objectives:

Recognize Bleeding:

  • Understand the types of bleeding (arterial, venous, capillary) and how to identify severe bleeding.

    Control Bleeding:

  • Apply Direct Pressure: Learn how to use cloths or bandages to apply pressure directly to the wound.
  • Use Tourniquets: Understand when and how to apply a tourniquet to control severe arterial bleeding from limbs.
  • Pack Wounds: For severe bleeding that doesn’t respond to direct pressure, learn how to pack the wound with gauze to control bleeding.

    Manage Shock:

  • Recognize signs of shock (e.g., pale skin, rapid pulse) and learn how to manage it by keeping the person calm and comfortable, and elevating their legs if possible.

    Hands-On Practice:

  • Practice techniques using realistic scenarios and mannequins to gain confidence and skill in controlling bleeding.

Course Content:

Introduction to Bleeding:

    • Overview of anatomy related to bleeding.
    • Discussion on how bleeding can be life-threatening.

First Aid Techniques:

    • Detailed instructions on how to apply direct pressure, use tourniquets, and pack wounds.
    • Demonstration of proper techniques and tools.

Scenario Practice:

    • Hands-on practice with simulations to apply learned skills in a controlled environment.

Review and Certification:

    • Recap of key points and techniques.
    • Certification or acknowledgement of participation (if applicable).

How to Take the Course:

Prepare for the Course:

    • Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to participate in hands-on activities.

Utilize Resources:

    • After completing the course, review the materials provided and practice techniques regularly to keep your skills sharp.

Importance:

Save Lives:

    • Effective bleeding control can be the difference between life and death in emergencies.

Boost Confidence:

    • Knowing what to do in a bleeding emergency helps you act quickly and calmly.

Community Impact:

    • Being trained empowers you to assist others in need, potentially saving lives in critical situations.

The “Stop the Bleed” course is an invaluable skill set that equips you to handle severe bleeding emergencies effectively and confidently.

This course is two hours in length. All students will receive a certificate of completion upon completing the course. The class is taught by an experienced instructor in CPR/AED, First Aid, and Advanced Bleeding Control. Parking is free. Class Minimum: 4 students

Cancellation & Reschedule Policy:

NO REFUND if you cancel with less than 7 days’ notice
*Cancellations received at least 7 days before class may request a refund minus a $5 processing fee or receive full credit to another class.
*Cancellations received less than 7 days but at least 24 hours before class can be rescheduled with a $10 rescheduling fee. One reschedule is allowed, and your rescheduled class must take place within 90 days of the original class date.
*Cancellations received less than 24 hours before class and “no shows” will not be issued a refund.

Wilderness First Aid Certification – Hybrid

Wilderness First Aid

Our Hybrid Wilderness First Aid Course allows you to learn the classroom material at your own pace, followed by a 1-day hands-on skill session.

Course Overview

Wilderness First Aid: Remote and Austere environments create special situations not usually encountered in urban or suburban settings. With this class, first aid providers in remote outdoor or austere settings will be better prepared to respond with first aid training when faced with limited resources, longer times to care for someone, and decisions about when and how quickly to evacuate an ill or injured person.

Learn how to handle medical emergencies when 911 is more than a quick call away.

Wilderness First Aid Course Includes

Information-filled slide presentation covering wilderness and remote first aid, from a basic understanding of emergency response in an outdoor setting to specific techniques and considerations for various injuries and illnesses.

Class topics include

  • Preparation and Assessment
  • Preventing and Caring for Injuries and Illnesses
  • Environmental Hazards
  • Other Considerations

This hybrid course combines 8 hours of self-paced online training with 1 day of in-person scenarios and hands-on skills practice led by a Survival Med-certified instructor.

Includes a two-year Wilderness First Aid certification that meets the requirements for Boy Scouts/Scouting USA’s high-adventure bases, including Philmont, NICA, the National Park Service, and many more.

Prerequisite

Adult CPR and AED

Bug-In Versus Bug-Out What Do You Need To Know?

Bug-In vs Bug-Out

You need to know that bugging-in and bugging-out require different plans, and your safety depends on understanding when to stay put, when to leave, and how to prepare for both.

Bug-In versus Bug-Out: What You Need to Know for Real-World Readiness

In the preparedness world, few decisions matter more than whether to bug in (stay home) or bug out (evacuate). It’s a choice that shapes your gear, your plan, and your mindset. But here’s the truth many preppers overlook: you don’t get to choose your ideal scenario; the situation decides for you.

That’s why understanding the difference, recognizing the right moment for each option, and preparing both plans in advance is essential. Let’s break it down in simple, practical terms.

Bug-In: When Staying Home Keeps You Safer

Bugging in means you’re riding out the emergency where you live. In many cases, this is the smartest, safest, and least stressful choice. If your home is standing, secure, and stocked, it’s already your best shelter.

When Bug-In Makes Sense

You should plan to stay put when the danger is outside your home, not inside it. Situations like:

  • Blizzards or winter storms
  • Short-term civil unrest
  • Power outages or grid failures
  • Supply chain disruptions
  • Pandemic conditions
  • Extreme heat or cold advisories

In these scenarios, traveling increases risk. If you have food, water, and the ability to stay warm (or cool), staying home is almost always the safer call.

How to Build a Strong Bug-In Plan

A good bug-in setup includes:

  • Reliable water: stored water + filtration options
  • Shelf-stable food: meals that don’t need refrigeration
  • Backup lighting: flashlights, headlamps, lanterns
  • Heating or cooling options: depending on your climate
  • Communication tools: radio, power banks, battery backups
  • Comfort items: blankets, books, games, activities

Bug-in preparation is about sustainability; making your home livable when the world outside is temporarily not.

Bug-Out: When Staying Put Isn’t an Option

Bugging out means leaving your home because staying there puts you in danger. It’s more stressful, more complex, and often riskier, but sometimes, it’s the only safe choice.

When Bug-Out Is the Only Smart Move

You should plan to leave when danger is approaching your location or your home becomes unsafe. Examples include:

  • Wildfires
  • Hurricanes with mandatory evacuations
  • Flash floods
  • Hazardous material spills
  • Gas leaks or structural damage
  • An immediate threat to your safety

If your home can’t protect you—or is itself the hazard—it’s time to go.

How to Build a Ready-to-Go Bug-Out Plan

Good bug-out planning focuses on mobility and speed:

  • 72-hour go-bags: for every family member
  • Essential documents: stored safely and ready to grab
  • A predetermined safe destination: (friend, family, or rural location)
  • Two or more evacuation routes: with backup options
  • A vehicle kept ready: with fuel and basic supplies

Bug-out preparation is about the ability to move quickly and adapt under pressure.

The Real Secret: You Should Prepare for Both

Preparedness isn’t about choosing a camp. It’s about flexibility. Emergencies don’t follow your ideal plan—they unfold unpredictably. Being equipped for both options means circumstances don’t trap you.

Practice Makes Confidence

Run low-stress drills so you won’t panic during the real thing:

  • Try a 24-hour bug-in with no power
  • How long does it take to grab your go-bag and hit the road
  • Drive your evacuation routes at different times of day

These small exercises help you identify problems before they become a problem.

Review and Update Every 6–12 Months

Life changes, so should your plans. Refresh food, rotate water, update documents, replace batteries, and adjust clothing for the season.

Final Thought: Preparation Is Freedom

Knowing when to bug in or bug out—and having the supplies and confidence to do either—turns panic into peace of mind. Preparedness doesn’t eliminate emergencies, but it gives you options. And options provide you with control.

Bug-In Checklist Bug-Out Packing List

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

The Slowest Things in the Universe Are Still Moving Forward

The Slowest Things in the Universe Are Still Moving Forward

Progress Doesn’t Require Speed, Only Direction

In a universe filled with explosive stars, racing comets, and the constant churn of galaxies, it’s easy to forget that some of the slowest-moving things still travel immense distances over time. Neutron stars crawl through space. Tectonic plates creep inches per year. Even the continental drift that once pushed all land into a single supercontinent did so at a pace slower than your fingernails grow. Yet despite this near-motionless speed, these forces reshape worlds.

This offers a profound truth for our own lives: progress is not about speed, it’s about direction.

We live in a culture obsessed with velocity. Quick results. Overnight success. Instant transformation. If we’re not moving fast, we assume we’re not moving at all. But the universe itself disagrees. Some of the most potent, reality-altering processes happen slowly, quietly, and consistently. Their strength lies not in urgency but in unwavering momentum.

In the same way, meaningful change in our lives rarely comes from sudden leaps. It comes from small, steady decisions that compound over time. One healthier meal. One hour of learning. One honest conversation. One payment toward debt. One moment of choosing calm over chaos. These tiny forward motions seem insignificant today, but like continents shifting, they build a future you might not yet fully see, only sense.

Direction gives slow progress its power. Imagine an asteroid floating aimlessly in space. Even if it moves fast, it’s going nowhere. Now picture a glacier. It inches forward at a pace invisible to the naked eye, yet it can carve valleys, redirect rivers, and transform entire landscapes. Its movement is purposeful. Guided. Intentional.

Your life works the same way. You don’t need to sprint. You don’t need to be the fastest or the first. You need to know which way you want to go—and keep moving, however slowly.

The beautiful thing about directional progress is that it removes the pressure to be perfect. You can pause. You can stumble. You can take smaller steps on some days. As long as those steps continue toward your chosen future, you are not stuck. You are not failing. You are simply moving at the speed of what is sustainable, authentic, and real.

So when life feels slow, when growth feels invisible, when change seems too distant to grasp, remember the lesson written into the fabric of the cosmos:

Even the slowest things in the universe remake worlds. You will, too—so long as you know your direction and keep going.

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

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