VCOM-Carolinas has continued its commitment to community service and hands-on medical education through its ongoing participation in the American College of Surgeons’ Stop the Bleed program. The nationally recognized course teaches simple, effective steps to control life-threatening bleeding, a critical skill in emergencies when minutes matter. By training VCOM students and sending them into local high schools as instructors, the College strengthens both campus readiness and community resilience.
Several student leaders have helped drive the program’s momentum this year. Brooks Prater ‘28, who had prior experience with Stop the Bleed through her work in EMS, said she was drawn to the initiative because of the community need and the passion of Kristine Lombardozzi, MD, FACS, FCCM, discipline chair and associate professor for Surgery, and Lynn Campbell, DO, discipline chair and associate professor for Emergency Medicine. They made it clear how impactful student involvement could be. Prater added that “the need is there and VCOM students are wonderful at rising to the occasion,” a sentiment that reflects the college’s culture of service.
The model depends on students who are eager to teach, eager to learn, and committed to expanding lifesaving skills in the community. Prater noted that she became an instructor through this process and now helps lead the program for the next generation of trainees. She emphasized that Stop the Bleed is built to overcome hesitation and encourage decisive action.
The true impact of Stop the Bleed is that it breaks the bystander effect and empowers people within the community to help save a life. You do not have to be a medical professional to save the life of a victim of a traumatic event — you just have to be willing to try.
The community benefits directly from these efforts. By bringing Stop the Bleed training into area high schools, VCOM-Carolinas students equip teenagers, teachers, and staff with practical skills that can make a critical difference before first responders arrive. Each new instructor and each completed training session expands the number of people in the region who are prepared to act in an emergency.
