By Reporter staff

The Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton, in conjunction with the Temple Israel Safety and Security Committee, will hold a “Stop the Bleed” program on Monday, September 19, at 7 pm, at Temple Israel. The program will be presented by United Health Services Trauma Services and will take about an hour. The first part will consist of a Power Point presentation and the second will involve “hands on” training with the instructors. It is limited to 50 participants. Registration is required and can be made on the Federation website, here, or by calling Shelley Hubal, executive director of the Federation, at 724-2332. Registration must be made by Friday, September 9. Anyone who registers, but cannot attend, is asked to call Hubal to cancel their registration. 

The “Stop the Bleed” program is designed to enable trained bystanders to take life saving action if needed until professional help can arrive following an accident, mass shooting or other acts of violence. Instructors focus on training people in all walks of life to become immediate responders. 

Hubal noted that something became apparent during the recent Active Shooter Training sponsored by the Federation. “The speaker noted that sometimes people are not able to escape a dangerous situation and may be injured,” she said. “It takes time for the police to secure a scene and the medical personnel can’t enter until that happens. If someone is injured, then those who are with them are the only ones who can offer medical care. This program will give people some basic skills to do that. That’s why I see it as a continuation of the Active Shooter Training.”

Hubal added, “Knowing how to do first aid in a traumatic situation could very well be the difference between life and death. Pikuach nefesh is the Jewish principle that tells us saving a life is of utmost importance. That is why we are doing this training.”

“We are pleased to be offering this program and, while we hope there will never be an occasion to use the skills being taught, we want to be prepared,” said Rita Bleier, who is a member of the Federation board and helped organize the program.