Tightening the Knot:Winthrop Teachers Receive Tourniquet Training

As part of the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), several teachers from Winthrop High School and middle school took part in an almost two-hour class that taught the steps in applying a tourniquet in the event of an emergency.

The course was led by Fire Capt. Chuck Flanagan and Firefighter Mike Lopez, and Police Sgt. Jim Feeley.

The course covered important topics, including areas of application, how to know if a tourniquet is necessary, and techniques in ensuring rapid response time. Course participants were paired up and had the opportunity to practice applying the tourniquet on one another.

“It’s unfortunate that we have to discuss such a topic, but it’s a good technique to know,” said high school nurse, Meredith Hurley, who is responsible for submitting the proposal for the $15,000 training grant. “Hemorrhaging is the leading cause of death.”

Tourniquet application is a skill that could be utilized in many real-life applications beyond school threats and acts of terrorism, and has proven to be useful at sporting events.