PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Sandell, Lindsay
AU  - Rechner, Sydney
TI  - Regional Needs Assessment of Bleed Control Training in Upper Peninsula of Michigan School Systems
AID  - 10.1370/afm.22.s1.6274
DP  - 2024 Nov 20
TA  - The Annals of Family Medicine
PG  - 6274
VI  - 22
IP  - Supplement 1
4099  - http://www.annfammed.org/content/22/Supplement_1/6274.short
4100  - http://www.annfammed.org/content/22/Supplement_1/6274.full
SO  - Ann Fam Med2024 Nov 20; 22
AB  - Context Trauma resulting in severe blood loss can be deadly within minutes. Bystanders are often present at the scene before first responders. The implementation of bleed control (B-CON) training in communities has increased due to the nationwide Stop the Bleed campaign which aims to increase public awareness on how to effectively stop life threatening bleeding. Implementing bleed control training for faculty and students at public schools has been a public health focus as injuries can happen anywhere. Schools in rural communities face unique disadvantages including lack of access to healthcare resources that urban schools may have available. There is currently not a level one trauma center in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan leaving residents hours away from specialized care.Objective The primary objective of this study is to obtain data that informs the decision to implement further bleed control training and resources in rural school districts.Study Design and Analysis This study was a needs assessment survey.Dataset A total of 20 interviews were conducted (37% response rate) during our study period.Population Studied Public school superintendents, principals, and school nurses in the rural Upper Peninsula of Michigan.Intervention/Instruments An 11-question survey was administered through virtual interviews regarding B-CON training knowledge, resources, and access to training. The survey was a combination of multiple choice and open-ended questions.Outcome Measures The outcome measures included qualitative data on current B-CON strategies (training, bleed control kits), their potential interest in receiving training, and their perceived barriers to implementation of B-CON programs.Results B-CON training for faculty and staff was established in 40% of schools. Of schools without training, 58% of schools expressed interest in receiving it. While school nurses were B-CON trained, only 50% of schools employ a nurse. Additionally, the presence of a nurse was not associated with having existing training and 65% of schools reported having a community resource for assistance with training. Lack of time and financial resources were reported as barriers.Conclusions In the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, increased collaboration between schools and their community is essential to increase B-CON training. Availability of resources should be considered when developing approaches to train rural areas.