'Stop the Bleed': Students learn trauma response tactics

As students begin heading back to school, many are preparing for new classes and activities, but some are also preparing for a nightmare scenario they hope never happens: a mass shooting.

Students from around the country are learning about trauma response as part of a campaign called 'Stop the Bleed' led by Dr. Habeeba Park.

The campaign began in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting where 20 children and six adults were killed.

Dr. Thomas Scalea, Professor of Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine said a third of those victims may have been saved with this type of training.

In 2018, more than 30 people have been killed in school shootings across the country.

In a mass casualty scenario, every second makes a difference.

"This is a disease of time. The clock starts ticking when you get hurt. Not when you get to the hospital," said Scalea.

And this is the first line of defense; applying tourniquets and packing wounds, stalling until first responders can get there.

"This is arming the public with power. It's a powerful tool, the ability to save a life," said Scalea.

You can get trained for that worst-case scenario.

CNN