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Reynoldsburg teachers get mass casualty response training

Reynoldsburg School District teachers learned how to respond to a mass casualty situation during a tactical first aid training class.

Teachers within the Reynoldsburg School District received special training Tuesday night at the Reynoldsburg Police Department.

Men and women learned how to respond to a mass casualty situation, during a tactical first aid training class.

"There's always that little worry at the back of your mind," elementary school teacher Aubrey Gibson said.

About 20 Reynoldsburg teachers showed up ready to learn at the first aid training session because they know the unthinkable could happen anywhere. Even at school.

"Well I hope I never have to use this kind of stuff, but if I do then I've thought it out before," Gibson said.

City Police Officer Nikki Riley wanted teachers to get some hands-on experience treating trauma. She's also a school resource officer for the Reynoldsburg School District.

"This will be exposure to trauma wounds, something they might see in a critical incident at the school," Riley said.

During the class, Truro Township Fire Department Lt. Chuck Brooks taught civilians how to save lives like the first responders.

"I just think it's really important that I'm able to help my students in case of an emergency. I'm going to make sure I know the right thing to do," Gibson said.

How to control bleeding, treat gunshot and stab wounds, and apply a tourniquet are skills Officer Riley thought would help her school district.

"Especially with what we saw at OSU last week I think hit close to home for a lot of us," Riley said.

Officer Riley said in some cases the teachers could be the first responders and every minute counts.

"Sometimes those minutes can save a life and I think it makes a difference. So if we have those people trained and they can respond immediately, we can save lives," Riley said.

Though teachers hope they'll never have to use these skills, now they know what to do and what they need.

"One of the things I really want to make sure I have is a belt cause I don't have anything in my classroom right now I could use as a tourniquet," Gibson said.

Experts say this kind of training is typically only offered to law enforcement and first responders.

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