Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital will host a free ‘Stop the Bleed, Save a Life’ class at the Henry Mayo Fitness and Health office on Town Center Drive on Wednesday, November 15 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

“Stop the Bleed” is part of a national initiative designed to provide bystanders with tools and knowledge to stop life-threatening bleeding in an emergency situation as a result of man-made and natural disasters.

“Our goal is to teach everyone a few easy-to-follow steps to properly apply a tourniquet to a bleeding extremity,” said Chad Cossey, disaster response coordinator at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.

“Many times, it’s a bystander who initially administers first aid in an emergency situation before medical responders arrive on the scene. Learning how to properly apply a tourniquet can save someone’s life,” Cossey said.

Class participants will learn how to:

1. Apply Pressure with Hands. EXPOSE to find where the bleeding is coming from and apply FIRM, STEADY PRESSURE to the bleeding site with both hands if possible.

2. Apply Dressing and Press. EXPOSE to find where the bleeding is coming from and apply FIRM, STEADY PRESSURE to the bleeding site with bandages or clothing.

3. Apply Tourniquet(s). If the bleeding doesn’t stop, place a tourniquet 2-3 inches closer to the torso from the bleeding.

The tourniquet may be applied and secured over clothing. PULL the strap through the buckle, TWIST the rod tightly, CLIP and SECURE the rod with the clasp or the Velcro strap. If the bleeding still doesn’t stop, place a second tourniquet closer to the torso from the first tourniquet.

After the training course, participants will be able to explain the benefits of tourniquet usage and demonstrate the appropriate application of a tourniquet to an extremity.

The Education Center at Henry Mayo Fitness and Health is located at 24525 Town Center Drive, Valencia 91355.

This is a free community education class offered to Santa Clarita residents. Registration is required.

For more information or to register, please visit henrymayo.com/stopthebleed.