More local businesses buying "bleeding control kits" to protect employees

A growing program aims to teach bystanders to be lifesavers in emergency situations.

The “Stop the Bleed” program, started by the American College of Surgeons, is in response to the rise in mass shootings in our country.

It’s implemented by medical professionals across the United States, who train people on how to stop uncontrollable bleeding in trauma patients.

Sadly, this has become an increasingly practical and necessary skill.

“We realized that threats have changed, as we’ve seen in these mass shootings,” Dr. Brian Yorkgitis of UF Health said.

Following events like mass shootings, Dr.Yorkgitis says that blood loss will be the biggest cause of death.

 More: 'Stop the Bleed' program aims to teach lifesaving skills

He says half the victims will die before they see an emergency room.

“Stop the bleed” aims to teach, but also promote and encourage the placement of bleeding control kits in public places and private businesses.

Bleeding control kits are a new concept. They’ll contain items like tourniquets, gauze, scissors, gloves, and bandages.

The Fort Lauderdale Airport purchased the kits after five people were killed during a shooting last year. Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts also has them.

However, the kits are not widespread for public use. “Stop the Bleed” aims to change that.

“The goal here is to place these by an AED,” said Dr. Yorkgitis. “When you see an AED, we really want you to see a bleeding control kit.”

At least one local business latched onto the idea immediately.

Dean Leonard works at LSI, Inc. in Jacksonville. The company builds courseware and training devices for the military.

Leonard tells Action News Jax the company decided that employees should be trained on how to use the bleeding control kits. LSI then purchased three of the kits.

“There’s always the threat, or the worry of workplace shootings,” said Leonard. “There’s the terrorist threat that also kind of hangs over us.”

To purchase the kits, or learn about training opportunities for a school or business, you can go to www.bleedingcontrol.org.

Cox Media Group