Emergency trauma kits coming to all Purcell classrooms

PURCELL, Okla. (KFOR) - In case of emergency, trauma kits are making their way to every classroom in the Purcell School District next semester. All teachers will be formally trained on how to use them as well.

"Each one has the trauma dressings,” Emergency Management Director Rachael Huey said.

Huey said it’s a life saving addition coming to classrooms in Purcell.

"Bleed stop, trauma shears, gloves, gauze dressings,” Huey said. "They're going to be in this style of bag."

They’ll be in drawstring bags and include military style tourniquets and even a reference guide. Huey is the mastermind behind the idea to put them there after working with others.

“We were discussing active shooter events and the need for trauma kits in schools and other organizations,” she said. “I felt that it was a worthwhile project."

So, she reached out to the community and said everyone was on board. Thanks to donations from local businesses and the city, the idea became a reality in just a matter of days as they were able to get about 100 of the kits at no cost to the district.

"I really like the training aspect of it,” Purcell City Manager Sam Demel said. “It's more than just the kits. It's the training that every teacher would receive on how to use these kits."

They can be used for any emergency. Medics will show teachers how to use them as well.

"They actually get to practice putting the tourniquets on, stopping bleeding with dummies and mannequins,” Huey said.

Purcell’s superintendent Sheli McAdoo sent KFOR a statement. That can be read in full below.

“Purcell Public Schools maintains a focus on student and staff safety.  We are grateful for the Purcell community and their efforts to provide trauma kits for each classroom in the district.  Our partnership with Purcell Police Department and the City of Purcell is a model in my opinion on how we can all work together to provide a teaching and learning environment that supports students and teachers.  A special thank you to the Purcell Emergency Manager, Rachael Huey, for spearheading this initiative and Wadley’s Ambulance Service for providing training in August for our staff on how to use the trauma kits.”

"I believe this is incredibly important,” Huey said. “This also builds upon what the schools have already done here."

Huey said she hopes to get the kits in all classrooms across southwest Oklahoma and eventually statewide.