Initiative provides training to save lives in a mass casualty event

Today, Sunnybrook trauma experts rolled out an initiative called "Stop the Bleed" to a group of over 150 Metrolinx employees including front line, administrative, support, partner agencies and contractor staff.

“Stop the Bleed” is an initiative of the American College of Surgeons based on the Hartford Consensus guidelines, which was designed to increase survivability after a mass casualty event.

Massive bleeding from any cause, but particularly from an active assailant or catastrophic event where a response is delayed, can result in death within five to 10 minutes. By providing civilian bystanders the skills and basic tools to stop uncontrolled bleeding in an emergency, lives can be saved.

Similar to how the general public learns and performs CPR, “Stop the Bleed” teaches proper bleeding control techniques, including how to use hands, dressings and tourniquets. The training is interactive and allows participants to practice on life-like mannequin legs and each other.

As of August this year, Sunnybrook began offering the training to the general public and staff that work in major public areas and at landmarks in the city.

Learn more about Stop The Bleed

Media Contacts:
Laura Bristow, Communications Advisor, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
416-480-6100 ext. 62663 / Mobile: 416-726-9683 / laura.bristow@sunnybrook.ca

Vanessa Barrasa, Senior Advisor, Media Relations, Metrolinx
416-202-5777 / Mobile: 416-230-3732 / vanessa.barrasa@metrolinx.com