Gordon Graham
Category: Law Enforcement
Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today I’d like to talk to my law enforcement friends about “stop the bleed” equipment and training. It’s not a topic we like to think about. But folks, as a matter of life and death, it deserves our attention.
In moments of unexpected crisis, time is a valuable asset. Every second counts.
In moments of unexpected crisis, time is a valuable asset. Every second counts. And in our line of work, these life-threatening emergencies can happen at any time with little to no warning.
In 2022, the Department of Homeland Security published an alarming pair of statistics. They found the average time for help to arrive in emergency situations is between 7 and 10 minutes. The problem is, the average time for someone to bleed out following a traumatic injury is only 3 to 5 minutes. We’ve got to be prepared to deal with traumatic injuries in the field.
Fortunately, there are many tools that are both widely available and easy to carry with us as part of our uniform. Tourniquets, for example, are a simple and affordable option. When used properly, tourniquets can significantly increase survival rates for traumatic wounds. Other tools, such as combat dressings, gauze, and clotting agents are vital additions to any medical kit.
However, we know any tool is only as good as the training that comes with it. That’s why we must be equipped with the corresponding knowledge to help us use these tools properly. Familiarize yourself with your assigned medical supplies. Make sure you know how to use them. You owe it to your community, your coworkers, and yourself.
And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Until next time, Gordon Graham signing off.
