Home > JLPHA > Vol. 1 (2020) > No. 1 (2020)
Journal of the Louisiana Public Health Association
Article Title
Notes from the Field - Stop the Bleed: a Call to Action in Louisiana
Abstract
Background: In 2018, Louisiana ranked 2nd for the highest death rates due to homicide in the US (13.3 deaths per 100,000 total population). Falling just behind Mississippi, which had 13.4 deaths per 100,000 total population, this LA statistic was an improvement from the prime position held for over five years. While the approach to improving survivability requires the collaboration of many sectors, the Stop the Bleed (STB) education campaign is one example of initiatives taken to address this public health crisis. Methods: Developed by the Joint Committee to Create a National Policy to Enhance Survivability from Mass Casualty Shooting Events, STB training advocates for nonmedical persons to be trained to recognize and treat life-threatening bleeding (i.e. hemorrhage). Participants practice applying direct pressure, packing wounds, and use commercially available tourniquets in a single STB session. Results: Research has shown that civilians can display successful tourniquet use after a single STB course. Over 10,000 persons have been in trained in Louisiana since courses began in 2017. Over 1900 individuals have received STB training in New Orleans and have contributed to decreased homicide rates locally. Discussion: The concepts taught in Stop the Bleed training have been shown to result in decreased death from hemorrhagic shock. Additional engagement of community stakeholders and state legislators would improve access to training and promote state policies to increase STB awareness. Conclusion: Lives lost to violent deaths cost the state of Louisiana $5.6 billion in 2016. Stop the Bleed training can help address this statistic. Bystanders will always be the first on the scene of a trauma incident regardless of how quickly professional first responders arrive. STB training enables individuals to act, provide immediate care, and potentially save lives.