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Stop the Bleed Month: Why Bleeding Control Skills Matter

Every year, during the month of May, ProActive Response Group joins the nationwide effort to raise awareness about a life-saving initiative known as Stop the Bleed Month. Stop the Bleed is a national awareness campaign that empowers individuals to become immediate responders in emergencies involving severe bleeding. By educating the public about bleeding control techniques, this initiative helps save lives, one tourniquet at a time.

Understanding the Importance of Stop the Bleed

Severe bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death in trauma situations, whether from accidents, natural disasters, or violent incidents. Without immediate intervention, uncontrolled bleeding can lead to death within minutes. Stop the Bleed Month emphasizes the importance of being prepared to provide basic bleeding control until professional medical help arrives.

During this month, organizations, schools, businesses, and community groups are encouraged to participate in Stop the Bleed training programs. These programs teach individuals how to recognize life-threatening bleeding, apply direct pressure, use tourniquets, and pack wounds effectively.

Why Bleeding Control Skills Are Critical

When an emergency occurs, every second counts. Bystanders are often the first on the scene, making them the most crucial responders in the initial moments of an emergency. Knowing how to properly control bleeding can mean the difference between life and death for an injured person.

Here are some key reasons why bleeding control skills are vital:

  • Immediate Response Saves Lives: When bystanders know how to stop bleeding, they can provide life-saving care before first responders arrive.
  • Applicable in Various Situations: Severe bleeding can occur anywhere, from car accidents and workplace injuries to active shooter incidents or natural disasters.
  • Simple Techniques with Big Impact: Basic skills like applying pressure, using a tourniquet, or packing a wound can be taught quickly and effectively.

The History of Stop the Bleed Month

Stop the Bleed Month was established as part of the broader Stop the Bleed campaign, which began in 2015 as a response to the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. Medical professionals recognized that teaching basic bleeding control techniques to the public could significantly reduce preventable deaths in traumatic situations.

Today, Stop the Bleed Month is celebrated each May, with organizations across the country hosting training events, demonstrations, and educational workshops. ProActive Response Group is proud to be part of this important initiative, providing training sessions that equip individuals with the skills and confidence they need to save lives.

How ProActive Response Group Supports Stop the Bleed

At ProActive Response Group, we are dedicated to empowering individuals with life-saving skills. Our bleeding control training sessions are designed to be accessible, practical, and effective. Our certified instructors provide hands-on training, teaching participants how to:

  • Identify life-threatening bleeding
  • Use direct pressure to control bleeding
  • Properly apply a tourniquet
  • Pack wounds effectively

We offer this training for schools, businesses, and community organizations that want to be prepared to save lives in an emergency.

Getting Involved in Stop the Bleed Month

There are many ways you can participate in Stop the Bleed Month:

Why Choose ProActive Response Group for Your Training

ProActive Response Group offers high-quality, hands-on training led by experienced professionals who specialize in emergency preparedness and response. Our instructors are passionate about teaching life-saving skills and ensuring that participants leave each session confident and capable.

  • Experienced Instructors: Our team includes instructors with first-hand experience as first responders.
  • Customizable Training: We tailor our courses to meet the needs of different audiences, from schools to corporate settings.
  • Hands-On Learning: Participants practice techniques using realistic training equipment.
  • Ongoing Support: We provide continued support and resources to help individuals maintain their skills.

Save a Life: Start with Stop the Bleed

Stop the Bleed Month is a reminder that life-saving skills are within reach of everyone. By participating in Stop the Bleed training with ProActive Response Group, you can be prepared to make a difference when it matters most. Don’t wait until an emergency happens – take action now.

Ready to learn life-saving bleeding control skills? Contact ProActive Response Group today to sign up for a Stop the Bleed training session or to organize a training event for your organization. Together, we can make our communities safer and more prepared.

 

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Jim Tapscott

Instructor

Jim served as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Illinois for 30 years. During his time as a Deputy, Jim served on the SWAT team as an operator, team leader and Commander. Jim was involved in several barricaded gunman/hostage incidents as well as service of high risk arrest and search warrants.

Jim was a member of the US Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force where he performed surveillance and fugitive apprehension. His team was responsible for thousands of high risk felony fugitive arrests. Jim also served in the patrol division where he earned the rank of Sergeant and was responsible for patrol operations. Jim received numerous awards throughout his career to include Deputy of the Year, medal of valor and unit citation for SWAT operations.

Jim was a state certified CQB (Close Quarter Battle) SWAT instructor as well as an Active Shooter Response instructor, providing training for multiple law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Illinois.

Jimmy Pregel

Medical Instructor

I’m a proven leader with a diverse background in defense, law enforcement, and emergency response. My career began as a Scout Sniper in the U.S. Marine Corps, where I earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. I then served as a security contractor in Afghanistan and Iraq, further developing my tactical and crisis management skills.

Domestically, I served as a Deputy for the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, earning a Medal of Valor, and as a firefighter, where I was awarded a Life Saving Ribbon. These roles reflect my commitment to safety and service, demonstrating leadership under pressure and a passion for protecting others.

As part of the Proactive Response Group Team, I design and deliver comprehensive medical training, developing lesson plans and conducting hands-on sessions. I ensure that participants are equipped with essential medical skills, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and readiness. My role is vital in preparing our team to handle medical emergencies confidently and competently.

Chris Taylor

Instructor

Chris is a retired Major from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina. Chris was third in command over operations, overseeing more than 300 sworn Deputies as well as all special teams within the Sheriff’s Office. In 2012, Chris helped to organize a Dignitary Protection Team within the Sheriff’s Office that assisted the Secret Service with Presidential and Vice Presidential visits throughout the state. In addition to his normal duties, Chris performs private security for dignitaries, celebrities, as well as 12 years with the Miss America Organization. Chris has been instructing Active shooter Response with ProActive Response Group since 2021.

In his down time, Chris enjoys time with his wife and daughter, as well as watching sports and fishing.

Tyrie Fowler

Instructor

Tyrie Fowler is an Active Shooter Response instructor at Proactive Response Group and an Emergency Medicine Trauma Nurse at Prisma Health in Greenville. A Greenville native, Tyrie earned his Exercise Science degree from the University of South Carolina and his nursing degree from Mary Black School of Nursing. He joined Greenville Health System in 2015, transitioning from Orthopedic Trauma to Emergency Medicine. At Prisma Health, a Level One Trauma Center, he is part of the Trauma Nurse Leader team, with training in Advanced Trauma Care (ATCN) and Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC). Tyrie is pursuing certifications in Emergency Nursing (CEN) and Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN).

Tyrie enjoys Fall for its long runs, college football (Go Gamecocks!), and hunting, including deer and quail. He also loves smoking recipes with a creative twist. As a medical instructor, Tyrie empowers bystanders to provide critical assistance in emergencies, teaching them to control bleeding and manage injuries, ensuring they leave his class confident in making a difference.

Steven Anderson

Instructor

Steven J. Anderson is currently an Active Shooter Response Instructor for ProActive Response Group; he enjoys empowering people to survive in life threatening situations. Steve grew up in central Minnesota and spent three years with the United States Army. He graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. Steve worked as a federal agent for the United States Border Patrol where he was a member of the U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC): completing multiple assignments in Central & South America, an assignment with the United Nations and the Deputy Director (A) of the National Air Security Operation Center. In 2020 he retired from working in Federal Law Enforcement.

In his spare time he enjoys the outdoors especially bow hunting. Steve is a proud husband and father to 3 wonderful daughters.

Rob Christian

Instructor, Sales

Rob is originally from Louisville, CO. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2003 and served as a Combat Engineer Officer until 2012. Rob deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009 and 2010 where he planned and implemented force protection strategy, counter improvised explosive device operations, and mobility operations for Third Battalion Sixth Marine Regiment and Third Battalion Seventh Marine Regiment . Upon his departure from the military, Rob began to teach firearms and tactics with Arizona based Alpine Arms while simultaneously running his own small residential security consulting firm. Rob relocated the South Carolina in 2021 and joined ProActive Response Group in early 2023.

When not working Rob spends time with his wife Lindsey and son Theo. He enjoys stand up paddle boarding, visiting the rifle range, four wheeling, and camping.

Stop the Bleed Month: Why Bleeding Control Skills Matter

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Founder

Chad Ayers

Chad Ayers served as Sheriff’s Deputy for Greenville County in South Carolina for 12 years. He has worked undercover in multiple state and federal investigations and in high-pressure environments, including active shooter events and hostage negotiations. Chad was a member of the SWAT team, where he served as assistant team leader and also assisted in the creation and implementation of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office active shooter response program. Chad starred in season one of A&E TV’s Emmy-winning documentary LIVEPD and is a frequent guest commentator for FOX News, Law & Crime Network, and On Patrol Live.

Founder

Andy Sexton

Andy Sexton spent 12 years with the Greenville County Sheriff’s office in South Carolina, where he held the rank of Uniform Patrol Sergeant. His experience includes serving as an assistant SWAT team leader, involvement in high-risk incidents, including hostage rescues and the protection of dignitaries, working in criminal investigations (including armed robbery and homicide), and serving on the training committee for the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office.