Hartford Hospital Transforming How the Nation Responds To Mass Casualty Events
March 20, 2014
Hartford, CT – Hartford Hospital has installed the nation’s first bleeding control bags in public areas throughout the hospital campus. Much like AEDs (automatic external defibrillators) that are present in public spaces, experts believe bleeding control bags could save lives.
Thanks to a generous donation from the Hartford Hospital Auxiliary, the bleeding control bags are equipped with all the essentials to effectively treat blast wound injuries. Inside the bag contains two types of tourniquets, gauze, hemostatic dressing and sheers.
Staff will be trained to use the bleeding control bag to maximize survival from an active shooter or bombing incident. The initial response is a critical role in assessing the injury and applying a tourniquet, if necessary, for hemorrhage control and safe transfer to trauma care.
“Those who are uninjured or minimally injured can act as rescuers,” said Lenworth Jacobs, M.D., vice president, academic affairs & chief academic officer, and trauma surgeon, Hartford HealthCare. We are living in a different world today and we must be prepared to act. That is why we are taking this first step in utilizing bleeding control bags in key areas of the hospital. Everyone can save a life.”
About Hartford Hospital
Hartford Hospital, founded in 1854, is one of the largest teaching hospitals and tertiary care centers in New England with one of the region's busiest surgery practices. It is annually ranked among America's Best Hospitals by US News & World Report and has been recognized nationally for the quality of many of its programs, including cardiology, cancer, stroke and joint and spine care. The 867-bed regional referral center provides high-quality care in all clinical disciplines. Among its divisions is The Institute of Living, a 114-be mental health facility with a national and international reputation of excellence. Jefferson House, a 104 bed long-term care facility, is also a special division of Hartford Hospital. The hospital’s major centers of clinical excellence include cardiology, oncology, emergency services and trauma, mental health, women’s health, orthopedics, bloodless surgery and advanced organ transplantation. Hartford Hospital owns and operates the state’s only air ambulance system, LIFE STAR.