Community Invited to Open House showcasing Trauma/Birthing Simulators & Inaugural ‘Stop the Bleed’ Award Presentation-Sept. 4

GRAND ISLAND–CHI Health St. Francis is excited to invite the community, and EMS partners, to a special Awards Presentation and Open House on Thursday, Sept. 4, in the hospital’s front lobby. 

At 5:30 p.m., St. Francis will present its inaugural Hometown Heroes Award to Brant Packer, Brandon Packer and Collin McHugh. This award honors individuals who have performed extraordinary acts, specifically highlighting life-saving efforts in the community through STOP THE BLEED. Their quick actions were crucial in controlling severe bleeding from an accidental gunshot wound suffered by Corbin Packer. Brant Packer, Corbin’s brother, applied a belt as a tourniquet, while Brandon Packer, Corbin’s father, applied pressure to stabilize the leg wound. Upon the arrival of the Grand Island Fire Department and Grand Island Police Department, Collin McHugh, GIFD Firefighter/EMT, then applied a commercial-grade tourniquet.

From 5:45 until 7:30 p.m., an Open House will showcase hands-on demonstrations of the hospital’s three new high-fidelity simulation manikins for pediatric, obstetric and trauma scenarios. These advanced simulators are a key component of the hospital’s Educational SIM Center, providing a vital resource for staff, emergency medical personnel and the community. They allow clinicians to practice and refine life-saving skills in various birthing and trauma situations.

More than $177,000 was granted by the St. Francis Foundation, supported in part by Ticket to Win, the hospital's premier fundraiser, for the purchase of the manikins.

“As Trauma Coordinator, I witness daily the consequences of injuries, and it’s truly inspiring to see individuals empowered with the skills to make such a profound difference in a moment of crisis. The simultaneous unveiling of our new high-fidelity simulation manikins further highlights St. Francis’ unwavering commitment to equipping our health care professionals, first responders and ultimately, our community, with the most advanced training possible,” says Mindy Walters, trauma coordinator, St. Francis.

Refreshments will be provided at the event. Staff will be available to answer questions and provide information.

More information about CHI Health St. Francis’ efforts to STOP THE BLEED® 

The number one cause of preventable death after injury is blood loss. CHI Health St. Francis, guided by the American College of Surgeons STOP THE BLEED® campaign, is dedicated to increasing safety awareness, education and creating safer communities. St. Francis offers free STOP THE BLEED® training to students, teachers and community groups interested in learning how to save a life. The hospital also helps place STOP THE BLEED® Kits, including tourniquets, at key locations throughout the community. In just 15-minutes of training, the community can learn to recognize life-threatening bleeding and effectively control it with three quick action steps–using their hands to apply pressure to a wound, packing a wound to control bleeding and correctly applying a tourniquet.