HISD Nurses Receive More Medical Training and Equipment

It’s heartbreaking to think that school nurses need to be prepared for a school shooting or another traumatic event, but with the right knowledge and equipment, school nurses could potentially save many lives. ABC 13 reports that nurses working within the Houston Independent School District recently received additional training and medical supplies to help them respond to a disaster.

Three hundred HISD nurses took part in the program put together by Memorial Hermann Red Duke Trauma Institute, Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, Harris Health System, and Texas Children’s Hospital. ABC 13 says the nurses learned “how to identify the source of bleeding, apply pressure to a wound, pack a wound and apply a tourniquet.”

Even if the nurses already had the knowledge of how to take care of deep wounds, the refresher will allow them to hold assemblies and teach other members of the school staff what to do in case of an emergency. They’re also much better equipped now if the unthinkable takes place.

Sadly, we know the unthinkable does take place. Last year in Seattle, the Seattle Times reports that a school nurse was able to step in to assist a student who was shot across the street from the school. The nurse was able to give aid before the paramedics could arrive.