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UPDATED BY MARIA SIEVERDING JANUARY 12, 2018.

JCD staff take part in ‘Stop the Bleed’ training

Jared Rogers
STAFF WRITER

Just prior to beginning their second semester of the 2017-18 school year, Jac-Cen-Del staff, including teachers, administrators, maintenance and cafeteria crews, participated in the national “Stop the Bleed” campaign training. The purpose of the training is to teach the public how to immediately respond to a bleeding incident, and how to appropriately pack a wound, apply compression, and apply a tourniquet.

Stop the Bleed at JCD Elementary

JARED ROGERS PHOTO
Pictured above JCD Elementary staff practiced packing and applying pressure to wounds on a mock device meant to resemble a human thigh. They were instructed to pack gauze inside of the wound, instead of merely on top of it, to adequately control serious bleeding. Pictured left, they were taught how to properly apply a “CAT” style tourniquet, spelled out “combat application tourniquet”. Another style tourniquet, not pictured, called a SWAT (Stretch-wrap-and-tuck) style, was also introduced. The SWAT style is like a giant rubber band, and is useful for very quick and simple application.

School Resource Officer Dan Goris informed the staff that tourniquets will soon be placed all throughout the schools alongside the currently existing AEDs, and also in first aid kits found in each teacher’s classroom. Goris commented that it is a growing trend for tourniquets to be placed in public locations, and he felt JCD was at the forefront of local facilities to train with them. In addition to Mr. Goris, Jason Smith of the Department of Homeland Security led the training, with assistance from Travis Linville, Indiana State Police, and Carmen Elliot, Ripley County EMT.

Interestingly, the use of the tourniquet is somewhat controversial, and has been both in and out of vogue regarding public use. At one time, it was thought that applying such pressure to a limb would lead to severe neurological damage, causing the need to amputate. However, in recent years, successful use of tourniquets in military settings has led professionals to believe that their use offers greater benefit than harm. Mr. Smith said there is no good evidence that shows applying a tourniquet for a few hours leads to neurological damage or the need to amputate. Though they are indeed painful when applied, they will adequately slow or stop profuse bleeding, which ultimately saves lives.

Staff were taught that responding to bleeding incidents can happen in many settings. Most likely, such knowledge will be helpful in responding to home or workplace accidents, like the cutting of a hand while using a knife, for example. Also, such training could come in handy during something more traumatic, such as in auto accidents, or even mass-attacks.

Health dept. says flu is on the rise
What you can do: clean, cover, and contain

Wanda English Burnett
EDITOR

The three C’s of infection prevention are being touted loudly as the state and local health departments are sending out the word that the flu is here. The first C is Clean. Wash your hands often with warm, soapy water. The second C is Cover. Cover your cough and sneeze into your arm or a disposable tissue; and thirdly, Contain. Do not go to public places to keep spreading germs. Stay home if at all possible, even from work.

Ripley County Health Department along with the Indiana State Department of Health is urging residents to take precautions against influenza amid recent increases in flu-like illnesses. And, according to Gavin Detraz, pharmacy technician at George’s Pharmacy in Versailles, quite a few people are coming into the pharmacy for medications for the flu. “We’ve had quite a few lately,” he told The Versailles Republican. But, he said the pharmacy is well-stocked and doesn’t foresee having any problems getting the needed medication for people.

“As in years past, we are seeing increasing flu activity along with the fatal consequences it can have,” said Ripley County Health Officer, David J. Welsh, M.D. “I encourage all citizens who haven’t received a flu shot yet to do so, as it is the best way to prevent this serious illness or decrease its severity.”
Indiana State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D. FACOG echoed the local doctor’s advice in a separate press release. As of December 30, 2017, 25 flu-related deaths have occurred in Indiana.

Long-term care facilities have reported increased flu activity and with elderly residents being especially prone to flu, it is a concern. Another group that is vulnerable includes pregnant women, young children, and people with chronic illnesses. Those who have compromised immune systems are also at risk.

The flu is a viral infection of the respiratory tract and is spread by droplets released when infected people cough or sneeze. It is also spread when people touch the same surfaces as those infected and then touch their own eyes, mouth or nose. Some common symptoms of the flu include a fever of 100 degree Fahrenheit, headache, fatigue, cough, muscle aches, sore throat and a runny or stuffy nose.

People who think they might have the flu are encouraged to contact their physician by phone or visit an urgent care facility to keep emergency rooms available for people who are critically ill, according to information from the state health department. Individuals who think they might have the flu should ask their provider if they would be able to take Tamiflu, an antiviral medication, to help relieve their symptoms.

You can contact the Ripley County Health Department at 812-689-0506 for more information on how to get a flu shot. They are located in the courthouse annex in Versailles at 102 West 1st Street.