Thank you to the staff members from New England Science and Sailing (NESS) for attending a Stop the Bleed and Fire Extinguisher training at Watch Hill Fire last Thursday.

The purpose of the Stop the Bleed campaign is to better prepare the public to save lives by raising awareness of basic actions to stop life threatening bleeding following everyday emergencies and man-made and natural disasters. Stop the Bleed continues to empower the general public to make a difference in a life-threatening emergency by teaching them the basic techniques of bleeding control.

On Thursday, participants learned the ABC's of bleeding control which starts with activating 911 and ensuring their own safety. The practical session allowed them time to pack wounds and apply tourniquets. Participants were urged to use their training to jump into action if they think they can help. After all, the only thing more tragic than a death from bleeding, is a death that could have been prevented.

Our instructors also shared the basics of fire extinguishers during the training. The staff at NESS know that having fire extinguishers in a building will not improve its fire safety unless the staff are sufficiently trained to use them. During the training at Watch Hill Fire, NESS staff learned about the different types of fire extinguishers, common fire hazards, proper procedures for activating help, and safe evacuation routes. The NESS staff were also trained to properly use a fire extinguisher during a hands-on training with live fire.

The Watch Hill Fire Department frequently hosts community classes like these. The purpose of these classes is to increase confidence so that bystanders can react quickly during an emergency. This is a big part of our Community Risk Reduction Program because we have a passion for helping you protect yourself. Thank you to Chief Robert Peacock, Captain Jane Perkins, Lieutenant Chris Koretski, and Firefighter Sydney Sutter for delivering these life saving skills to more members of our community. #emergencypreparedness #seesomethingdosomething # WHFD #NESS #fireprevention