Donations Make Lifesaving Supplies Easily Available
Floyd EMS also trained nurses in Polk County schools how to save lives using guidelines from the Stop the Bleed program. Uncontrolled bleeding due to traumatic injury is the most common cause of death outside of a hospital. The Stop the Bleed program provides training on how to apply tourniquets and pressure to wounds to stop or greatly reduce blood loss. Responders are trained using a trauma kit that includes a tourniquet, gloves, gauze, bandages and other supplies that stop life-threatening bleeding on an injured person. “Stop the Bleed gives the immediate responder the knowledge and the tools to stop the bleeding and save a life,” says Rick Cobb, Projects/Support Coordinator with Floyd EMS. The Georgia Trauma Foundation, Georgia Trauma Commission, the Georgia Society of the American College of Surgeons and the Georgia Committee on Trauma launched the program statewide, providing 12 bleeding control kits to every public school in the state. Matt Gorman, Polk Medical Center Administrator, sees the relationship with the school system as an extension of the care provided by the hospital every day. “Partnerships like this one with Polk County Schools are key to helping us carry out our mission at Polk Medical Center, which is to develop meaningful programs that improve the health of our community,” Gorman said. “I honestly believe that a program like this will save lives, and I can't imagine a greater calling, so we're grateful for this opportunity to give back.” “I hate to use a cliché, but it really does take a village to raise a child," he said. "We rely on partnerships like this one and are grateful for organizations like Polk Medical Center that are willing to step up and help us take care of our students." In addition to providing assistance to area schools, Polk Medical Center and Floyd EMS, when possible, will provide training and assistance to other community groups. Teems points to partnerships like the one with Polk Medical Center as being vital to a school system's success.
A machine that can shock the heart back into rhythm.
A pen that can deliver a dose of epinephrine.
A kit that can be used to stop profuse bleeding.
Each of these lifesaving medical interventions is now available in Polk County schools and in other key locations in Polk County thanks to the Live Well Polk! community outreach initiative. Each of the 10 Polk County schools received an automated external defibrillator (AED) and four epinephrine auto injectors, or EpiPens. The potentially lifesaving equipment was provided in conjunction with the Floyd school nurse program. Floyd manages the school nurse program in Polk County, providing a nurse at each of the county’s 10 schools. “We certainly hope this equipment is never needed, but it's comforting to know that it's available,” Greg Teems, Interim Polk County Schools Superintendent. AEDs are portable electronic devices that automatically diagnose irregular heartbeats and are immediately able to treat them by applying an electrical current that helps the heart reestablish an effective rhythm. EpiPens are used to provide immediate treatment for students who experience a severe allergic reaction to insect stings or bites, foods, and other allergens. While many students with known allergies bring their own EpiPen to school, not all are able to because of the expense associated with the device. “In a perfect world, we would know every student who has severe allergies and each would have his or her own EpiPen, but that's not always the case," Teems said. "Some students may have allergies that haven't yet been diagnosed, and not all who have been can afford to have an EpiPen at home and at school. This gift from Polk Medical Center gives us the peace of mind of knowing that we're prepared if the need for immediate treatment ever arises.” Floyd's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) trained school officials, administrators, teachers and coaches on the proper use of the medical devices. “We want to make sure every school employee is thoroughly trained and ready to take action if called upon,” said Bud Owens, Floyd EMS Director.
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