ELLERY, NY – The Chautauqua County Department of Emergency Services, through its EMS Education Division, is proud to announce the distribution of "Stop the Bleed" kits to all schools across Chautauqua County in preparation for the upcoming school year.
EMS Education Coordinator Josh Schauman shared this significant development during a press conference held at Maple Grove High School in Ellery, NY. Maple Grove holds the distinction of being the first school in the county to participate in Schauman's "Stop the Bleed" training, where educators acquired essential lifesaving skills.
This initiative is a proactive response to the tragic events of May 2022, when an ex-student of Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, entered the school and tragically took the lives of 19 children and 2 teachers, and physically injured another 17 students.
"Many of us maintain the illusion that such tragedies ‘could never happen here,’ shielding ourselves from the stark reality that our own schools might not be as prepared as we assume," said Schauman. "This realization forces us to confront our vulnerabilities and drives us to seek empowerment and preparedness."
Throughout his career, Schauman has dedicated himself to understanding the dynamics of aggressive and deadly behavior events. His focus includes studying the patterns and triggers of such incidents and training others in critical response techniques. From critical incident management to effective triaging of casualties and life-saving techniques, Schauman's mission is to equip first responders with the skills necessary to make a difference when lives are at stake.
"In light of recent events, it's become clear that preparedness is paramount," said Josh Schauman. "Our goal with distributing these 'Stop the Bleed' kits is to ensure that every school in Chautauqua County has the tools and training needed to save lives during critical moments."
In the wake of recent adversities, Schauman's colleagues, Charlene Unger and Nicholas Carlson, joined him in this mission. Together, they transformed their grief into actionable change, evolving from training a single school to a county-wide crusade. Their initial efforts faced resistance, but persistence and the undeniable importance of their mission led to broader acceptance and support.
"Providing these kits to our schools is a significant step towards enhancing the safety of our students and staff," expressed Noel Guttman, Director of Emergency Services. "It's a proactive measure that demonstrates our commitment to preparedness and the well-being of our community."
Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel, who is also a first responder himself, emphasized the importance of readiness.
"As someone who has been on the front lines, I understand the critical importance of having lifesaving tools ready at a moment's notice," said Wendel. "The distribution of these 'Stop the Bleed' kits represents our dedication to protecting our children and ensuring our schools are prepared for any emergency."
Today, thanks to the generosity of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, the Chautauqua County EMS Education Division has secured over $25,000 in grant funding. This financial support enabled the purchase of Stop the Bleed first-aid kits for every school in Chautauqua County. The movement has inspired additional passionate instructors, including Charles Holder and Noah Coffaro, who have been instrumental in expanding the training program.
"We are deeply grateful for this initiative. The training and kits provided by the Chautauqua County EMS Education Division are invaluable resources that enhance the safety and security of our schools," said Mr. Joseph Reyda, Bemus Point Central School District Superintendent, who voiced his appreciation. "Knowing that our educators and staff are equipped with the skills and tools to respond in an emergency provides peace of mind to our entire community."
About Chautauqua County EMS Education Division: The EMS Education Division is dedicated to providing essential training and resources to first responders and community members, focusing on lifesaving techniques and emergency preparedness to enhance the safety and well-being of Chautauqua County residents. To learn more, visit the Chautauqua County EMS Education Division Facebook page.
