Developed with funding provided by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) to the National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health (NCDMPH) in collaboration with the American Red Cross, First Aid for Severe Trauma™ (FAST™) is the first national Stop the Bleed® approved course developed specifically for high schoolers.

FAST is a school-age training initiative developed using battlefield lessons-learned, evidence-based research, and student, medical, and educational expert input. Offered in multiple modalities, FAST is designed to enhance a bystander’s ability to take decisive, lifesaving action to assist victims with traumatic injuries. FAST training will provide the knowledge necessary to stabilize the injured and control severe bleeding in the minutes until first responders arrive on scene. Thanks to DHS S&T’s grant support, the course and digital materials are offered at no charge to high school students under the age of 19.

Traumatic Injuries Public Health Issue - FB graphic

Purpose: FAST training is intended to save lives and build a more resilient population by reaching a broad youth base through public/private schools, not-for-profit organizations, faith-based and other civic communities of interest.

Origins: FAST came from successful tourniquet use on the, which is now allowing us to save lives in the civil battlefieldian population. Teaching FAST to our youth will build a more resilient population. Today’s high school student is tomorrow’s soldier.

Course Contents:

Scene safety and situational awareness
Communicating in emergency situations, with others at the scene and with the emergency dispatcher 
Recognizing life threatening bleeding
Using direct pressure and/or a tourniquet to stop bleeding

Offered in 3 modalities: online, blended (online & in-person), and instructor-led

Earn a two year American Red Cross certification via the blended and instructor-led courses!

(Images courtesy of the American Red Cross)

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