Tag: emergencypreparedness

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The Black Sky Event – How to Prepare For It!

The Black Sky Event

The Black Sky Event refers to a prolonged, widespread collapse of the electric grid and dependent infrastructure: typically lasting days to weeks (or longer in severe cases) that cascades into loss of communications, water systems, fuel distribution, banking, healthcare, and supply chains. The term is used by resilience researchers, grid operators, and emergency planners to describe scenarios beyond ordinary blackouts: high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP), extreme geomagnetic storms (Carrington-class solar events), coordinated physical/cyber attacks on substations and control systems, or cascading failures from extreme weather plus system fragility.

Unlike a short local outage, a Black Sky Event removes the continuous connectivity and on-demand energy that modern societies treat as baseline. Preparation therefore focuses on sustaining life and order through the period when the grid and internet are largely unavailable.

Core preparation principles

  • Assume no external rescue for 14–30+ days in the worst zones. Mutual aid and government response will be severely constrained.
  • Prioritize the basics in order: security → shelter/temperature → water → food → community → medical → communications → longer-term recovery.
  • Redundancy over single points of failure. Every critical need should have at least two independent methods.
  • Practice and maintain. Unused skills and untested gear fail when needed.

Practical preparation layers for a black sky event

Security

  • Low-profile approach is usually wiser than high visibility. Hardened doors/windows, basic situational awareness, and layered deterrence.
  • Firearms training and secure storage where legal and appropriate; non-lethal options and de-escalation skills matter equally.

Shelter, heat, and light

  • Home is usually the best shelter if structurally sound. Reinforce against weather, fire,
    and intrusion.
  • Heating: wood stove (with seasoned wood and chimney safety), propane heaters rated for indoor use, heavy insulation, layered clothing, free-standing tents (can be used indoors), sleeping bags rated for expected temperatures. In summer, focus on ventilation and shade.
  • Lighting: LED headlamps/flashlights with spare batteries or hand-crank/solar chargers. Avoid open flames as primary light indoors.
  • Backup power: small solar generators with portable solar panels + battery banks sized for critical loads only (medical devices, radios, limited lighting/charging). Small multi-fuel generators. Full-home generators require fuel logistics that become extremely difficult.
  • Fuel: gasoline (volatile with a limited shelf life), propane (stable with an indefinite shelf life) for your vehicle, generator, and heaters.

Water

  • Store a minimum of 1 gallon (≈4 liters) per person per day for drinking and minimal hygiene. Aim for 2+ weeks minimum, ideally a month.
  • Methods: bottled water rotation, filled bathtubs/containers at first warning, rain catchment, gravity filters (e.g., ceramic or hollow-fiber), chemical treatment (bleach or chlorine dioxide), and boiling if fuel is available.
  • Know local surface water sources and how to make them safe. Without power, municipal systems fail within hours to days.

Food

  • Non-perishable, calorie-dense: rice, beans, pasta, oats, peanut butter, canned goods, freeze-dried meals, high-calorie bars. Calculate ~2,000–2,500 kcal/person/day. Food preparation requires extra water; plan accordingly: one gallon a day for cooking.
  • Store what you already eat so rotation is natural. Include a manual can opener, basic spices, and a way to cook without grid power (camping stove + fuel, rocket stove, solar oven, or open fire where legal/safe).
  • Long-term: knowledge of foraging, gardening, or preserving is secondary but valuable once the acute phase passes.

Community

  • Over-preparation that isolates you from community can be as dangerous
    as under-preparation.
  • Strongest resilience is local: neighborhood watch, skill sharing, and pre-existing trust networks outperform isolated stockpiling.
  • Mental health: isolation, uncertainty, and stress are major factors. Pre-identify coping methods and community ties.

Communications and information

  • Continuity of connectivity cannot be assumed. Prepare for radio:
  • Battery or hand-crank AM/FM/weather radio.
  • Handheld VHF/UHF radios (with licensing where required) or CB for local coordination.
  • Ham radio (technician license is straightforward in many countries) for longer-range if infrastructure is down.
  • Pre-arrange meeting points and paper maps/routes with family. Written contact lists and contingency plans.
  • Offline information: printed maps, first-aid manuals, local resource lists, copies of important documents.

Medical and sanitation

  • Comprehensive first-aid kit plus any critical prescription medications (30–90 day supply if possible). Knowledge of basic wound care, infection control, and CPR.
  • Sanitation: heavy-duty trash bags, bleach, portable toilet or 2-bucket system, feminine hygiene, and a plan for human waste when sewers stop. Disease risk rises sharply without running water and trash collection.

Financial and documentation

  • Cash in small denominations (ATMs and electronic payments fail).
  • Important documents (IDs, deeds, insurance, medical records) in waterproof, portable form.
  • Skills that retain value when money systems are disrupted: basic mechanics, first aid, food production, repair, and barter competence.

Realistic constraints and trade-offs

  • Full self-sufficiency for months is extremely difficult and expensive for most households. Prioritize the first 2–4 weeks heavily.
  • Fuel, batteries, and propane become scarce quickly; plan consumption carefully.
  • Urban density creates both higher risk (more people competing for resources) and potential for mutual aid if relationships exist beforehand.
  • Legal and safety issues around generators, fuel storage, weapons, and open fires vary by location — know local rules.

What does not work well during a Black Sky Event?

Relying solely on the assumption that “someone will fix it quickly,” keeping all critical data only in the cloud, or treating preparation as a one-time shopping list without practice. Continuous connectivity and just-in-time logistics have trained entire populations out of older resilience habits; re-learning them takes deliberate effort.

Preparation for a Black Sky-level event is ultimately about reducing the period of helplessness when the systems modern life depends on go dark. The societies and households that fare best will be those that treated intermittency as a design constraint rather than an unthinkable exception.

As Always, 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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Disaster Hygiene – The Forgotten Prep – How To Prepare?

disaster hygiene

Disaster hygiene and sanitation are indeed one of the most overlooked aspects of emergency preparedness.

Food, water, and shelter get the spotlight, but poor hygiene quickly leads to disease outbreaks (e.g., diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid) that can be far more dangerous than the initial disaster, especially when medical services are strained or unavailable.

Proper planning keeps you and your family healthy, maintains morale, and prevents secondary disasters from contamination.

Core Principles

  • Prioritize handwashing: This is the #1 defense. Use soap and water whenever possible. Hand sanitizer (≥60% alcohol) is a backup but less effective on dirty/greasy hands.
  • Separate human waste (urine vs. feces) where possible to reduce odor, volume, and pathogens.
  • Contain, remove, and reduce waste to avoid attracting pests and spreading germs.
  • Conserve water but don’t skip hygiene—use wipes, sponge baths, or minimal water methods.
  • Stock for at least 1–3 months (or more for long-term events) and rotate supplies.
  • Practice now: Test setups during camping trips.

Hygiene Kit Essentials (Bug-Out Bag + Home Storage)

Build a dedicated hygiene/sanitation kit. Store in buckets for easy access and dual use.

Personal Hygiene:

  • Bar soap (or Campsuds/biodegradable), hand sanitizer, baby wipes/wet wipes (multi-use for body cleaning).
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss.
  • Deodorant, lip balm, comb/brush, nail clippers, razor.
  • Towels/washcloths (quick-dry or microfiber), sponge for baths.
  • Feminine hygiene products (pads, tampons, menstrual cup), diapers (disposable + extras for infants/elderly).
  • Sunscreen, bug spray, lip balm with SPF.

Sanitation Supplies:

  • Heavy-duty trash bags (contractor bags, 3–5 mil), zip ties, duct tape.
  • Toilet paper (or alternatives like tablets, leaves in a pinch; stock RV-safe TP).
  • Portable bidet or peri bottle (water-efficient cleaning).
  • Disposable gloves, face masks.
  • Disinfectant (unscented bleach for surfaces—never mix with ammonia from waste), paper towels.
  • Kitty litter, sawdust, wood shavings, or peat moss (for covering waste).

Cleaning/Laundry:

  • Laundry soap (bars or powder), bleach, baking soda/vinegar.
  • Buckets or wash basin for hand-washing clothes/dishes.
  • Garbage management tools (shovel for burial, fire-starting for burning safe trash).

Add to 72-hour kits, vehicle kits, and work/school bags. Include a privacy shelter (tarp, blankets, or portable screen).

Water for Hygiene

  • Store extra water beyond drinking needs (1+ gallon/person/day for hygiene).
  • Hand-washing station: Jug with spigot + catch basin/bucket + soap + paper towels. Place near toilet and food prep areas.
  • Sponge baths or wipe-downs conserve water. Sun-warm water in black containers/bottles.
  • Treat all questionable water (boil, filters, chemicals) before use for teeth, washing, etc.

Waste Management (The Big One)

  • Two 5-gallon buckets: One for urine (#1), one for feces (#2).
  • Line poo bucket with heavy trash bag. Add seat/lid (camping style or pool noodle hack).
  • Use: Pee in urine bucket (empty/dilute on ground away from water sources). For poo, cover with ~½ cup absorbent material (sawdust, kitty litter) after each use to control odor/flies.
  • Dispose: Store bagged waste securely until services resume; bury in latrine (6–8″ deep, 100+ ft from water) if rural; never dump in waterways.

Alternatives:

  • Existing toilet with water in bowl + trash bag liner (for short-term).
  • Cat holes (for bugging out): Dig 6–8″ deep, cover thoroughly.
  • Composting toilet (longer-term home solution).
  • Outhouse/latrine for groups.

Trash:

  • Contain in bags, store away from living areas.
  • Reduce by burning (safely, with PPE) or reusing/composting organics.
  • Avoid attracting rodents/flies.

Special Considerations:

  • Infants/Elderly/Mobility Issues: Extra diapers, elevated seats, assistance plans.
  • Pets: Separate waste handling.
  • Post-flood/earthquake: Shut off water/sewer if damaged; follow local guidance.

Additional Tips

  • Mental/Comfort: Cleanliness boosts morale. Brush teeth daily to avoid dental emergencies.
  • Laundry/Dishes: Hand-wash in buckets; air-dry in sun (natural disinfectant).
  • Storage & Rotation: Use buckets to store supplies. Check expiration dates (wipes, sanitizer, TP).
  • Learning Resources: CDC guides on handwashing/sanitation, FEMA kits, local emergency plans. Practice with family.
  • Budget Start: Many items are already in your home. Focus on buckets, bags, soap, TP, and wipes first.

Hygiene preps are low-cost, high-impact. Start small, build your kit, and test it. In a real disaster, staying clean could save lives more reliably than many other supplies.

As Always, 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 effectively to bleeding emergencies. 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 a licensed EMT, experienced in CPR/AED, First Aid, and Advanced Bleeding Control instruction, certified by the American College of Surgeons and the Department of Defense. 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 Responder

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

Wilderness First Responder Recertification – Hybrid

Wilderness First Responder

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

Course Overview

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

ELIGIBILITY: Any WFR or W-EMT certificate that is current or expired no more than one year ago.

Wilderness First Responder Recertification Course Includes

Information-filled slide and video presentations covering wilderness and remote first responder training, developing an advanced understanding of emergency response in an outdoor setting, including 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 Responder Recertification that meets the requirements for Boy Scouts/Scouting USA’s high-adventure bases, including Philmont, NICA, the National Park Service, and many more.

Prerequisite: Any WFR or W-EMT certificate that is current or expired no more than one year ago.

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CERT it’s role in you being better prepared

CERT

CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) plays a key role in helping individuals, families, and communities become better prepared for disasters and emergencies.

What is CERT?

CERT is a FEMA-supported, nationally consistent program (implemented locally) that trains ordinary citizens as volunteers in basic disaster preparedness and response skills. It empowers people to help themselves, their families, neighbors, and communities, especially in the critical early hours or days after a disaster when professional responders may be overwhelmed or delayed.

The program has trained over 600,000 people across more than 3,200 local programs in all 50 states, tribal nations, and territories.

Its Role in Being Better Prepared

CERT’s primary goal is to build a “Culture of Preparedness” by bridging the gap until professional help arrives. Here’s how it contributes:

  • Personal and Family Preparedness: Training teaches you to assess area-specific hazards, create family emergency plans, build disaster kits, and make your home safer (e.g., by installing smoke alarms). This makes you far more self-sufficient.
  • Practical Response Skills: The standard CERT Basic Course (typically ~18–24 hours over several weeks) covers hands-on topics like:
  • Disaster preparedness and hazard identification
  • Fire safety and suppression
  • Light search and rescue
  • Disaster medical operations (basic first aid, triage)
  • Team organization and incident command (using systems like NIMS/ICS)
  • Psychology of disasters and caring for survivors
  • Community Impact: CERT members can:
  • Check on neighbors and provide immediate aid
  • Support evacuation, traffic control, or shelter operations
  • Distribute resources, information, or meals
  • Assist with recovery efforts
  • Participate in preparedness events and drills year-round. This reduces the burden on first responders, allowing them to handle more complex tasks.
  • Proven Benefits: Trained individuals respond more safely and effectively (as Good Samaritans), reduce panic, organize spontaneous volunteers, and improve overall community resilience. Many participants report feeling significantly more confident and capable.

How to Get Involved

  • Search for a local CERT program through your city/county emergency management office, FEMA’s site, or Ready.gov.
  • Training is usually free or low-cost and open to most adults (some programs accept teens with a parent).
  • You don’t have to join an active response team; many take the course purely for personal preparedness.

In short, CERT equips you with knowledge, skills, and confidence to turn from a potential victim into a helpful asset during emergencies. It’s one of the most practical ways to move from “hoping nothing happens” to “being ready when it does.”

As Always, 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 Responder Recertification – Hybrid

Wilderness First Responder

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

Course Overview

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

ELIGIBILITY: Any WFR or W-EMT certificate that is current or expired no more than one year ago.

Wilderness First Responder Recertification Course Includes

Information-filled slide and video presentations covering wilderness and remote first responder training, developing an advanced understanding of emergency response in an outdoor setting, including 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 Responder Recertification that meets the requirements for Boy Scouts/Scouting USA’s high-adventure bases, including Philmont, NICA, the National Park Service, and many more.

Prerequisite: Any WFR or W-EMT certificate that is current or expired no more than one year ago.

Wilderness First Aid Certification – Hybrid

Wilderness First Responder

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

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How To Use The Rule Of 3’s As Preparedness Triage

The Rule Of Threes

The Rule of Threes is one of the smartest “triage” tools in preparedness. It helps you prioritize what matters most when time and resources are limited, exactly like medical triage sorts patients by urgency. In an emerging disaster, it cuts through panic and tells you what to fix first.

The Classic Rule of Threes

You can generally survive:

  • 3 minutes without air (or in extreme cold/immersion)
  • 3 hours without shelter (in harsh weather)
  • 3 days without water
  • 3 weeks without food

These are rough averages: variables like age, fitness, injury, temperature, and activity level change them dramatically. A fit person in mild conditions lasts longer; an unfit or injured person in bad weather lasts far less.

How to Use It as Preparedness Triage

Think of it as a decision ladder. Address the top threats first:

Air / Breathing (3 minutes)
Immediate life-threat. Smoke, toxic fumes, dust, or choking hazards.

Prep actions:

  • N95/KN95 masks or respirators in your go-bag.
  • Carbon monoxide detectors + fire extinguishers.
  • Know basic first aid and escape routes.
  • In wildfires (common in the Pacific Northwest), have a plan to shelter or evacuate quickly.

Shelter / Temperature Control (3 hours)
Hypothermia or heat stroke can kill quickly.

Prep actions:

    • Warm layers, emergency blankets, tarps, a tent, or sleeping bags.
    • Ability to seal a room or build a basic shelter.
    • Fitness helps here—moving debris, hiking to safety, or carrying gear.
    • In the Pacific Northwest: Prepare for ice storms, power outages, or wildfire smoke that forces you indoors.

    Water (3 days)
    We already covered this. Dehydration hits fast and destroys your ability to think or move.
    Triage priority: Store 2+ weeks’ supply + purification. This is usually your #1 long-term stocking focus after basic shelter.

    Food (3 weeks)
    Important but lower urgency than water. Focus on calorie-dense, shelf-stable foods you actually eat.
    Prep actions: Use your pantry inventory system. Build toward 2–4 weeks minimum, then months. Rotate stock.

      Extended “Modern” Rule of Threes (Practical Add-ons)

      Many preppers expand on the classic:

      • 3 seconds of situational awareness (avoiding the threat in the first place)
      • 3 months of financial buffer
      • 3 ways to do each critical thing (redundancy)
      • 3 people in your mutual aid group

      Applying Triage in Real Emergencies

      • Fast-onset (earthquake, flash flood): Air → Shelter → Water.
      • Slow-build (winter storm, supply disruption): Water & Food stockpiling + shelter reinforcement while you still have time.
      • Evacuation: Grab the bug-out bag that covers the top priorities first (water, warmth, air filter).

      Link to your previous preps:

      • Fitness = Multiplier for every level (you can’t build shelter or carry water if you’re out of shape).
      • Water = Your 3-day critical item—stock it aggressively.
      • Pantry = Solves the 3-week food leg while keeping life normal.

      Quick Self-Assessment (Triage Your Preparedness)

      • Can your household survive 3 hours without power/heat right now?
      • Do you have 3 days of water per person stored today?
      • Is your pantry tracked and rotated so you could go 3 weeks without shopping?

      Start where you’re weakest. Most people over-focus on food and guns while under-prepping water, shelter, and fitness; the Rule of Threes fixes that bias.

      As Always, 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 effectively to bleeding emergencies. 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 a licensed EMT, experienced in CPR/AED, First Aid, and Advanced Bleeding Control instruction, certified by the American College of Surgeons and the Department of Defense. 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.

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