Extension Office host freshmen for Stop the Bleed Program

Forty high school freshmen from Chase County and Perkins County Schools attended a University of Nebraska Extension Stop the Bleed program April 15.

Hosted by the Chase County Extension Office at the Chase County Fairgrounds, the program was led by Garden County

Extension Educator Sarah Paisley with the help of  Cheyenne County Extension Instructor Linda Jeffers and Wendy Wells with the University of Nebraska Med Center’s College of Nursing in Scottsbluff.

Students spent the morning in two sessions, the first focusing on stopping blood loss through the use of pressure, packing and a touniquet and the second an “escape room” where students solved puzzles and got a look at what goes on behind the scenes at medical facilities.

After lunch students had a chance to visit with local healthcare professionals, including Chase County Community Hospital employees Michelle Pursley, RN; Timothy Brininger, M.D.; Francis Oleru, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, ASCPi; Chris Peterson, RT; Lauren Hill RT and Chase County EMS member Marcie Kelley and paramedic Josh Burke.

Chase and Perkins Counties Extension Educator Debbie Kuenning said the Med Day was an excellent opportunity for Perkins County and Chase County youth to receive Stop the Bleed certification.

“We are fortunate to have outstanding health care professionals to engage with the youth during the afternoon session. Youth were able to simulate placing an IO line, accessing a port, and talk with Radiology, Lab, and Emergency Medicine professionals,” she added.

The Chase County Extension Office will be taking part in three Environmental Education Days across southwest Nebraska during the coming weeks, including a day for Chase County and Perkins County students.