HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Regional Medical Center was one of the first healthcare facilities in the state to establish a Stop the Bleed Campaign. On March 29, the hospital will host three training sessions for the public to learn how to deal with mass casualty events.

Ken Johnson, President and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, said the idea for a Stop the Bleed campaign was originated in 2015 as a result of White House efforts to create a grassroots movement that encourages bystanders to become trained, equipped and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives on the scene.

Ashley Thompson, Hutch Regional Trauma Coordinator, is working with registered nurses from the hospital’s Emergency Department and Paramedics from Reno County EMS to travel throughout the HRHS service area for presentations on dealing with the aftermath of mass casualty events. Audiences include schools, churches, factories, chambers of commerce, law enforcement agencies along with other venues where large groups of people congregate.

On March 29, the hospital will make this program available to the public in sessions scheduled for 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the hospital Pavilion on the northeast side of the hospital campus. The sessions are free and open to the public and are limited to 150 persons per session. Interested parties can register online at www.hutchregional.com/stop-the-bleed, by calling Thompson at 620-665-2580, or by emailing thompsona@hutchregional.com.

“The person whose life is saved could be your best friend, a complete stranger or a family member,” Johnson said. “We are hopeful that many in our community will take the opportunity to learn this important skill.”