Chicago Installs ‘Bleeding Control Kits’ In Hundreds Of City Buildings: “We’re living in different times and we’re doing our best to adapt to the environment that we’re living in”
The city of Chicago has begun installing “Bleeding Control Kits” across the city under the new Safe Chicago program. City officials say bleeding emergencies could include, “falls, penetrating injuries, gunshot wounds and more.”
Four hundred twenty-six Bleeding Control Kits will be installed in 269 Chicago buildings. Each kit can treat up to eight victims. “It’s just another layer of security and protection,” OEMC’s Executive Director Rich Guidice said.
“The box has eight tourniquets and also gauze, so it’s basically to stop the bleeding,” he added. “We’re living in different times. And we’re doing our best to adapt to the environment that we’re living in,” Guidice said.
From Chicago.gov: “Safe Chicago is new public safety program launched by OEMC in partnership with the Chicago Fire Department, Chicago Police Department and Assets and Information Services.
“This new program will provide Bleeding Control Kits at every occupied, City-owned or leased facility. We have already begun installing 426 wall mounted Bleeding Control Kits in 269 City of Chicago buildings, which includes:
“City Hall, Chicago Public Library locations, Chicago Cultural Center, DFSS Senior Centers, CDPH Medical Clinics and other locations.
“Each kit can treat up to 8 victims and is equipped with the following:
“Tourniquet
“Gauze
“Shears
“Gloves and an Instruction Manual.
“Life threatening bleeding emergencies can be the result of falls, penetrating injuries, gunshot wounds and more. Knowing how to control bleeding from a serious injury will keep you and those around you safe.”
The city announced the move earlier this month in a statement that said:
“The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging residents to participate in National Preparedness Month throughout the month of September.
“National Preparedness Month (NPM) is observed each year to promote family and community disaster planning year-round.
“As we prepare to protect everyone we love in advance of possible disasters, OEMC is introducing the Safe Chicago public safety program, installing life-saving kits in City of Chicago properties to be there when needed for active shooter incidents, workplace accidents and other emergency situations requiring immediate medical attention before first responders arrive.
“OEMC takes steps every day to plan and keep Chicago residents and visitors safe. During National Preparedness Month we are introducing Safe Chicago to provide Bleeding Control Kits to be utilized in an emergency to help save lives throughout the City,” said Rich Guidice, Executive Director (OEMC).
“We also want to encourage everyone to recognize that disasters and emergencies can happen at any time and being prepared can be the difference between life and death.”