CHESTER – Memorial Hospital in Chester, Ill. has received an Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) 2023-2024 EMS Education Mini Awards grant.
STOP THE BLEED training at St. Mark’s Lutheran School
Thanks to this grant, the hospital provided bleed control training and kits to schools in the Chester and Steeleville districts, ensuring that these educational institutions are well-prepared to handle emergencies effectively.
St. Mary’s Catholic School with Bleed Control Kits
Bleeding incidents, though rare, can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly and effectively. According to STOP THE BLEED, “the number 1 cause of preventable death after injury is bleeding.” Kim Ruebke, Memorial’s ER Nurse Manager, led the training sessions, assisted by Deb Mevert, OR Nurse Manager, Mariah Bargman, Community Relations Coordinator and BLS Instructor, and Memorial’s OR nursing staff. The team conducted training sessionns in the spring of 2024 for the Chester public High School and Elementary School, St. John Lutheran School in Chester, and St. Mark’s Lutheran School in Steeleville. In August of 2024, Memorial wrapped up their training program with St. Mary’s Catholic School in Chester and Steeleville public High School and Elementary School.
STOP THE BLEED training with Steeleville public schools
By providing bleed control training at schools, staff members are not only educated on the importance of immediate response but are also empowered with hands-on training to tackle such emergencies with confidence and competence. 200 bleed control kits were assembled for the schools, and training tools to simulate real-life scenarios were purchased for the hands-on sessions. The goal of this project was to teach the staff what to do to sustain life in a bleeding event. This training can be used for any type of injury which could cause the loss of blood, from punctures to large gashes.
St. John Lutheran School with Bleed Control Kits
In addition to providing CPR training and recertification annually, Memorial Hospital collaborates with the schools in Chester and Steeleville to offer this additional bleed control training, adding another layer of life support response to their repertoire. Mariah Bargman stated, “As partners in building a healthier community, we work with schools to provide them with resources they need to ensure a safe and secure environment for their children. We are grateful for this grant and to be able to provide the schools with these lifesaving tools and training. We hope they never need them, but through training and exercise, it helps ensure they are prepared for an emergency.”
STOP THE BLEED training for Chester Public Schools