Hemlock Public School District is taking another important step to keep students and staff safe by adding Stop the Bleed kits to all district buses. These kits are designed to provide quick, lifesaving tools in the event of a severe injury, helping control bleeding until emergency responders arrive.
This initiative began with a powerful local connection. Dr. Rebecca Sulfridge, an Emergency Medicine Pharmacist and proud Hemlock High School graduate, introduced Laura Walker, Trauma Education and Injury Prevention Outreach Specialist at Covenant HealthCare, to Dana Lockwood, recently retired Hemlock teacher. Nearly two years ago, Dana used a tourniquet at home to stop life-threatening bleeding and save her husband’s life.
Since then, Dana and Laura have shared their story across Michigan, even testifying in Lansing to advocate for updates to the Good Samaritan Law—encouraging more people to act quickly and confidently in emergencies. Through this advocacy, Dana also connected Laura with Nurse Becky, strengthening the network of local healthcare professionals and community advocates who share a passion for emergency preparedness and safety.
The Stop the Bleed program is a national initiative that empowers everyday people to take action when faced with a bleeding emergency. According to trauma experts, a person can bleed to death in less than five minutes. Knowing how to apply pressure, pack a wound, or use a tourniquet can literally mean the difference between life and death.
As part of Covenant HealthCare’s community outreach, Laura Walker recently donated 13 Stop the Bleed kits to the Hemlock Public School District. Each kit will be placed on a school bus, ensuring these lifesaving tools are available wherever students travel. Earlier this school year, Nurse Becky met with the school bus drivers and reviewed medical emergency preparedness with hands-on CPR, EPI pens, and tourniquet usage.
“Emergencies can happen anywhere — and when they do, being prepared makes all the difference,” said Nurse Becky. Hemlock Schools will continue to partner on opportunities to teach staff and students these critical skills - building a safer, more prepared community — one kit, and one trained person, at a time.