The emergency & trauma services department of Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) has purchased materials for kits that assist individuals in stopping an otherwise uncontrollable bleed during an emergency. These materials include gauze, gloves, markers, tourniquets for both adults and children, and more.

The department aims to educate the community on how to utilize the kits to stop a bleed while also providing them with the resources to do so. The goal is to distribute the kits to schools across Hancock County, major businesses in Findlay and law enforcement facilities to place in officer vehicles.  

“These kits can save lives,” said Katie Richard, registered nurse and trauma program manager at BVHS. “When used correctly, the supplies we plan to distribute to the community can significantly decrease mortality in the event of an emergency. Our goal is to help prepare the community for such an incident, with the hope that it will never occur.”

Blanchard Valley Hospital is a Level 3 trauma center certified through the American College of Surgeons. The hospital actively attempts to educate the community on a variety of preventative methods to avoid injury. “All injuries can be prevented,” Richard explained. “Distributing bleeding-control kits helps increase the chances a victim will survive.”

The bleeding-control kits will be formed and distributed as part of the American College of Surgeons’ “Stop the Bleed” campaign that aims to prepare the nation for emergencies.

For more information about these kits and BVHS’ trauma education programs, contact Richard at 419.423.5493 or [email protected].