Stop the Bleed is a grassroots effort to encourage residents to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. The “Stop the Bleed” campaign says the no. 1 cause of preventable death in trauma is bleeding. Twenty percent of people who die from traumatic injuries could have survived with quick bleeding control.

The first Lake Charles community training is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday,  May 20 at the Calcasieu Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP), 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. A group of healthcare professionals is teaming up with local and state government to provide this training.

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 recently completed their certifications and are now qualified to train others. The group consists of community leaders from a variety of backgrounds, including law enforcement, first responders, and medical professionals.

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