Kyrock and ECMS Staff Learn Safety Measures in "Stop the Bleed" Training

School staff members and instructors at the recent "Stop the Bleed" training.

Edmonson Voice Report:
​More than 75 educators and staff members from Kyrock Elementary School and Edmonson County Middle School recently completed "Stop the Bleed" training, which equipped them with the knowledge and confidence to respond to life-threatening bleeding emergencies until first responders arrive.

A total of 43 staff members from Kyrock Elementary School and 34 staff members from Edmonson County Middle School participated in the training. The classes were held as part of an ongoing initiative to improve emergency preparedness throughout the Edmonson County School District.

The training was led by Ashley Ritter, Trauma Program Coordinator for T.J. Regional Health and paramedic with Edmonson County EMS, alongside Officer Wally Ritter with the Leitchfield Police Department. Both Ashley and Wally said they are proud parents of a student at Kyrock Elementary School and were honored to help provide this lifesaving education to local school staff.

Officer Wally Ritter with a demonstration with wife, Ashley, in the background.

Mrs. Amanda Denham with part of the training.

Participants learned how to recognize life-threatening bleeding, apply direct pressure, properly pack wounds, and correctly use tourniquets. Following completion of the course, "Stop the Bleed" kits were placed in strategic locations throughout each school, ensuring staff have immediate access to lifesaving equipment should an emergency occur.

The training and equipment are part of a project initiated by Daniel Ashley, Battalion Chief with the Bowling Green Fire Department and husband of a Kyrock Elementary teacher. His vision was to provide schools with the equipment and education necessary to save lives during the critical minutes before emergency responders arrive. The bleeding control kits were made possible through the generosity of community donors and supporters who recognized the importance of improving school safety.

Edmonson County High School staff completed the same training earlier this year before the end of the spring semester, with bleeding control kits being installed throughout the high school following the course. With the completion of this week's classes, two more schools are now equipped with both trained personnel and readily accessible bleeding control equipment.

"Stop the Bleed is designed to empower everyday people to act in an emergency," said Ashley Ritter. "Severe bleeding can become fatal within minutes, and by providing staff with both the training and the proper equipment, we're giving them the ability to make a difference until EMS arrives. We hope these kits are never needed, but if they are, we want staff to feel prepared and confident to respond."
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Mrs. Ritter also said the initiative reflects a collaborative effort between local emergency responders, healthcare professionals, school leaders, and community supporters who share the common goal of creating a safer environment for students and staff throughout Edmonson County.

She also noted that future training sessions are in the works for other schools as well.