PORTSMOUTH — The R.I. Medical Reserve Corps (RIMRC) will be offering “Stop the Bleed” training to the public from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, at the CFP Arts, Wellness, and Community Center, 933 Anthony Road.

The event is being organized by Nathan Mathias, a 10th-grade student at East Bay Met and an intern at Portsmouth Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), who’s working toward his lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter and emergency medical technician. 

Nathan wanted to take on a project to help the community be prepared to save lives. Since the start of his internship, he has become a Junior Medical Reserve Corps member. He also interned at nearby fire departments, learning the trade he wants to make his career. 

The training is free and will help empower participating members of the community with lifesaving skills to respond to emergencies where seconds count in saving lives. RIMRC members, the state’s mass casualty team, will serve as instructors. 

RIMRC’s goal is to provide this training to all 39 Rhode Island municipalities. The corps encourages the participation of anyone who works or frequents places where the public gathers and where such skills may help in a mass injury incident. 

Instructors will work with participants in small groups and train them on critical bleeding control techniques, including direct-pressure application, wound-packing, and proper tourniquet use.  

To register for the event, go here.