Our state’s trauma system is comprised of dedicated healthcare professionals delivering compassionate, quality care across 42 state-designated trauma centers (hospitals specializing in trauma care), 200+ emergency medical services agencies, and countless other first responders and heroic bystanders – all serving as a critical link in the trauma chain of survival for tens of thousands of injured Arizonans each year.

This year’s Trauma Awareness Month theme is Stop the Bleed. It’s a nationwide initiative to empower bystanders to quickly stop major bleeding which is a leading cause of death in trauma by applying three simple steps:

1.       Apply pressure with the hands,

2.       Apply a dressing and press, and

3.       Apply tourniquet(s).

It’s important to remember to always be aware of your surroundings and move yourself and the injured person to safety, if necessary.

Visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Stop the Bleed website to obtain additional information on this national initiative, including a Stop the Bleed action steps poster that can be downloaded.