For high-crime neighborhoods, a class in gunshot first aid



PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A hospital in Philadelphia is taking first-aid training to a new level. It's teaching residents in high-crime neighborhoods how to treat gunshot wounds.

Being able to quickly stop the bleeding in gunshot victims can determine whether they live or die.

Temple University Hospital treats at least 400 shooting victims a year, so its doctors and nurses have plenty of experience.

The hospital's new program is called "Fighting Chance." The hospital is borrowing from battlefield tactics to teach residents how to tighten a tourniquet, apply pressure to stop bleeding and position someone in a car before rushing them to a hospital.

On a recent weeknight, about 50 neighborhood residents attended the program's second training session. Among those participating were boys as young as 10.


 

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