In total, there have been at least 2,318 mass shootings since Sandy Hook, with at least 2,624 killed and 9,657 wounded.  Most victims die of bleeding within the first 3 to 5 minutes after being injured.  Fortunately, most of us have been unscathed by this insane carnage.  However, the October 27, 2018 mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood that killed 11 and wounded seven made all of us in WNY feel vulnerable. This was close to our home and it sparked a call to action. 

In 2015, the White House initiated, STOP THE BLEED, a national awareness campaign intended to cultivate grassroots efforts that encourages bystanders to become trained, equipped (with DOD approved tourniquets and quick-clotting packing), and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. 

Local physician/educators and active leaders in Jewish Buffalo, Drs. Phil Glick and Iris Danziger, took the lead to organize training for nearly a dozen medical professionals this fall in partnership with Dr. Gail Burstein and the Erie county DOH staff.  As a result, Jewish Buffalo now has its own STOP THE Bleed training program. 

Two months ago, nearly 30 volunteers associated with Temple Beth Tzedek received the training and additional trainings for the JCC, Temple Beth Zion and Kehillat Ohr Tzion are planned for the coming months.

We are grateful to Iris and Phil for taking the first step to bring Stop the Bleed to Buffalo and are honored to feature them in this week’s My Jewish Buffalo.

To plan a STOP THE BLEED training session for your Jewish organization, please contact Rob Goldberg (rob@buffalojewishfederation.org).