Colonel David Gavigan of Bristol County Sheriff’s Department came to Tri-County to teach the Grade 10 Medical Careers students a first-aid program called, “Until Help Arrives”.
In the event of a medical or public safety emergency, it’s widely known that the first thing to do is call 911. Then what? The “Until Help Arrives” program focuses on what to do while you’re waiting for the arrival of police, fire or EMS services. It covers everything from communicating with 911 dispatchers to how to stop bleeding, position an injured person or how to provide comfort to those in need.
The students were given the opportunity to learn and practice what to do in the minutes while waiting for first responders to arrive. They learned how every second can make a difference between life and death.
The program was presented by Col. Gavigan, the director of Homeland Security at the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office. Gavigan is certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
Since launching the program at the end of 2017, Gavigan has presented the class at senior centers, libraries, town halls and high schools.