Illinois Terrorism Task Force Distributes STOP the Bleed Kits to Every Illinois School

SPRINGFIELD --- The Illinois Terrorism Task Force today announced significant steps to improving trauma management training at schools in Illinois. Following the recommendations of the School Safety Working Group, more than 7,000 STOP the Bleed kits have been distributed to schools in Illinois ahead of the 2019-2020 school year. 

STOP the Bleed is a national campaign intended to train, equip and empower bystanders to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. A STOP the Bleed kit contains two pair Nitril gloves, one 6-inch emergency trauma dressing, two responder compressed gauze, CAT tourniquet, trauma scissors, survival blanket, instruction booklet and permanent marker. 

“Our top priority will always be preventing violence from occurring, but we must also be prepared for worst case scenarios.,” said Acting IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “STOP the Bleed kits and the training that comes along with them can save lives and I applaud the Illinois Terrorism Task Force for implementing this program statewide.” 

This summer, the Regional Offices of Education distributed one STOP the Bleed kit to each school in Illinois. Each school district is being asked to train a minimum of five teachers/staff in each building where children attend school. Upon completion of this training, the Illinois Terrorism Task Force, via the Regional Offices of Education, will distribute an additional five kits to the school. 

“STOP the Bleed kits provide the tools to help the public save lives, but the knowledge and confidence to save a life comes with proper training,” said Mary Connelly RN, Director of the Illinois Medical Emergency Response Team (IMERT). “With more certified trainers, the mission of helping and protecting our communities can grow.” 

The Illinois Terrorism Task Force is calling on those in our medical community, volunteer organizations and police and fire community to join this mission. In order to meet the demand of the more than 5,000 public and private schools in Illinois, more trainers are needed to provide this invaluable hands-on training. IMERT, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Women’s Health, has pledged to train one thousand school nurses by February 2020. Yet, even more help is needed. The 90-minute STOP the Bleed training was developed by the American College of Surgeons specifically for the public and is offered by trained healthcare and public safety volunteers at no associated cost to the school. To find a training course, or learn more about how your organization can help provide training, visit www.Ready.Illinois.gov.