As part of a commitment to educate citizens about measures that can save lives during traumatic incidents, a group of healthcare professionals is teaming up with local and state government to provide free trainings to the public. “Stop the Bleed” is intended to cultivate grassroots efforts that encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives.

The first Lake Charles community training is scheduled for Sunday, May 20 at 2 p.m. at the Calcasieu Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP), located at 901 Lakeshore Dr. The training will last approximately one hour and is free of charge. The training is open to the first 100 people to register.

The “Stop the Bleed” campaign states the number one cause of preventable death in trauma is bleeding. Twenty percent of people who die from traumatic injuries could have survived with quick bleeding control, according to the website.

Lake Charles Urgent Care, CHRISTUS St. Patrick Health Systems, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, Louisiana Emergency Response Network, Calcasieu Medical Reserve Corps, the City of Lake Charles, and OHSEP began meeting earlier this year to organize “Stop the Bleed.” Approximately 75 trainers completed their certification earlier today and are now qualified to train others. The group consisted of community leaders from a variety of backgrounds including law enforcement, first responders, and medical professionals among others.

To register for the May 20 training, please email Angela Jouett at ajouett@cppj.net or call (337) 721-4024. For more information on the “Stop the Bleed” program, visit www.bleedingcontrol.org.