GET TRAINED! YOU ARE THE HELP UNTIL HELP ARRIVES

GET TRAINED! YOU ARE THE HELP UNTIL HELP ARRIVES HEALTH Magazine, Winter 2025 Published by the Southwest Utah Public Health Foundation This podcast episode is an AI-generated narration of the HEALTH Magazine article. The full article text is provided below as the official transcript of this episode. GET TRAINED: YOU ARE THE HELP UNTIL HELP ARRIVES Narrated by David Heaton using AI-assisted voice. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), trauma is the leading cause of death for Americans under age 45. Since emergency responders aren’t always nearby when people get hurt, you may be able to save a life by taking these simple actions immediately CALL 911 to get help on the way. DID YOU KNOW? You can text 911 if you can’t hear or speak, service is poor, phone lines are jammed, or a voice call would be dangerous. Just include your name, location, and situation. Put your phone on silent if needed. KEEP YOURSELF SAFE by checking the scene for hazards. Don't become another victim. DON’T MOVE THE VICTIM unless they are in danger of further injury or it’s the only way you can provide assistance. STOP THE BLEEDING. Approximately 40% of trauma-related deaths worldwide are due to bleeding or its consequences, making bleeding the most common cause of preventable death in trauma. Is there life-threatening bleeding? After calling 911, compress the source of bleeding with bandages or clean clothing, using firm, steady pressure. Place gauze inside the wound if it is deep. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, a tourniquet can be placed and secured over clothing, 2-3 inches above the wound. Everyone should get trained on the details at stopthebleed.org/training (click “Online Course”). Recovery positioning helps a semiconscious or unconscious person breathe better after you’ve done all you can while waiting for emergency responders to arrive. Gently roll the person onto their side, stabilizing them with the top arm and leg bent. Do not use the recovery position if the person has a major injury (back or neck). PROVIDE COMFORT and keep them warm. Learn more at tinyU R L.com/YouAreTheHelp. You never know when you might become the first responder on the scene of an accident or injury. Here are some essential trainings to consider: First Aid CPR AED Training Basic first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training can be vital for saving lives, preventing injuries from worsening, and helping people recover. First aid training can also help you feel more confident and prepared to handle unexpected situations. Many of these courses now include the basics of using an AED (automated external defibrillator). AEDs are portable medical devices that can be used to treat a person whose heart has suddenly stopped working. They are often installed in stores, government agencies, and workplaces. Local first aid and CPR courses can be arranged through: ThePulseCPRTrainingCenter.com SouthernUtahCPR.com (for group classes) City of St. George (sgcityutah.gov) Dixie Technical College (dixietech.E D U) MRC (Medical Reserve Corps; see page 30) CERT (Community Emergency Response Team; see page 31) OTHER TRAININGS TO CONSIDER LOCAL GROUP TRAINING The Southwest Utah Public Health Department offers a no-cost emergency preparedness presentation for organizations and groups of families, friends, neighbors, or coworkers. You’ll learn about risk assessment, making emergency plans, getting necessary supplies, communications, and what to do during evacuations. In under 45 minutes, emergency management experts will equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to proactively safeguard themselves and their communities. To schedule this presentation, visit swuhealth.gov/prepare and click the “Free In-person Training” link. EARTHQUAKE TRAINING Participating in the annual Great Utah ShakeOut, held every April, is a great way to prepare and practice what to do when an earthquake strikes. The drill emphasizes the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" technique, which is proven to significantly reduce the risk of injury during an earthquake. Go to shakeout.org/utah for more information on how to plan your drill ahead of time and take measures to quake-proof your home. The ShakeOut can be a fun learning experience for families, school classes, and workplaces!