Level II Trauma Center

STOP THE BLEED®

STOP THE BLEED® is a hands-on educational program that teaches the civilian population to provide vital initial response to uncontrolled bleeding in emergencies and covers the use of direct pressure, wound packing, and tourniquet use. The goal of The American College of Surgeons (ACS) and ACS Committee on Trauma is to train every American in basic bleeding control techniques and to work tirelessly toward placing bleeding control kits in every public venue, including schools, community centers, places of worship, and stadiums. Much work remains to be done to accomplish this goal. However, much work has already been completed.

Alcohol & Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is 100% preventable. Drunk driving claims the lives of approximately 30 people per day in America. This means that one person dies unnecessarily every 15 minutes in a car crash involving someone with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher.

Every 15 Minutes program

AVMC has partnered with California Highway Patrol, local high schools, and many other community partners to help educate students about preventing alcohol-related accidents. The program has served as a first-generation model of school-based alcohol prevention that incorporates simulated alcohol-related consequences with various community elements.

“Every 15 Minutes,” the emotionally charged program around which students must complete their senior project, challenges students to think about drinking, personal safety, and the responsibility of making mature decisions when lives are involved. AVMC provides the “real life” trauma situation for the students, parents, and other participants.

Seat Belt Safety

One of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make is to buckle up. Many Americans understand the seat belt's lifesaving value – the national use rate was at 90.7% in 2019. Seat belt use in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017. Understand the potentially fatal consequences of not wearing a seat belt and learn what you can do to make sure you and your family are properly buckled up every time. (Source: https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/seat-belts)

Safe/Distracted Driving

Approximately 30% of auto accidents include excessive speed as a contributing factor. Distracted drivers using cell phones for calls, texts, email, and more account for another large percentage of preventable accidents. Driving safely prevents accidents and saves lives.

Motorcycle Safety

Motorcycle riders are overrepresented in traffic fatalities. As the population increases in the Antelope Valley, more cars and trucks are on the roads than ever before, making conditions increasingly perilous for motorcyclists. Drivers must share the road and be alert to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists must drive with caution and be always on high alert for potential safety hazards.

Fall Prevention

Each year, millions of older people—those 65 and older—fall. In fact, more than one out of four older people falls each year, but less than half tell their doctor. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again. Fall prevention methods include talking to your doctor to evaluate your risk, increasing strength and balance exercises, having your vision checked annually, and making your home safer. See more tips on the CDC website.

Gun Safety

Every year, preventable accidents occur due to the unsafe handling of firearms. If you have a gun, be sure to follow the recommended guidelines for safe handling.

Suicide Prevention

If you know someone who displays signs of depression or substance abuse that may be contemplating suicide, seek immediate help. Call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 or dial 911.