Across Texas, school districts have been offering Stop the Bleed training as required by law since 2020.
In light of last year’s mass shooting at Robb Elementary School, and the 226 mass shootings this year, the training comes with new urgency.
“Bleeding emergencies can cause death within five minutes,” D’Lynn McCartney said.
It’s not a new concept -- being able to stop bleeding during an emergency gives someone a better chance of survival.
“Early intervention is crucial because they’re not going to have the opportunity to be intervened on later,” McCartney said.
On Wednesday, McCartney, North East ISD’s assistant director of health services, led a group of staff in the in-person part of their Stop the Bleed class.
Each participant had to take an online course and pass a quiz beforehand.
The class offers hands-on experience with lifesaving, blood-stopping equipment like tourniquets.
“There’s three basic techniques that are taught in these classes -- how to apply pressure to a wound, how to pack a wound to just reinforce extra pressure, and how to apply a tourniquet,” McCartney said.
The course is voluntary for staff. Justin Oxley got his certification Wednesday morning.
He said he’s glad teachers and school staff have tools at their disposal in case of emergency.
“That’s exactly where we as people on our campus can help out when students sometimes get in trouble and have an injury,” Oxley, the executive director for school administration and the central office with NEISD, said.
They’re now offering this class to students from 7th grade and up.
While it’s all tied to House Bill 496, which requires districts to teach Stop the Bleed training, in light of the Robb Elementary shooting, the training feels more urgent.
“Unfortunately, these mass violence situations are shedding a light on why it’s so important and definitely helping people understand, you know, why it would be a good thing for them to have,” McCartney said.
North East ISD students interested in the Stop the Bleed training must have permission from a parent.
Those with permission will go through training with their school nurse.