Stop the Bleed Training for the Agricultural Industry
Extension Education
Michelle Infante-Casella
Agricultural Agent/Professor
RUTGERS NEW JERSEY AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
Clarksboro
Abstract
The Rutgers Cooperative Extension Farm Health and Safety Team of County Agricultural Agents, Michelle Infante-Casella, William Bamka, Stephen Komar, and Kate Brown organized and implemented 3 regional “Stop the Bleed” training events throughout New Jersey for farmers and agricultural service providers. They secured grant funds to offer free courses and to buy "Stop the Bleed" kits for each participant. It is well known farmers and agricultural workers are engaged in one of the most dangerous professions. In recent years, accidents took place on farms in the state resulting in lost limbs and other horrific outcomes that could have ended in better outcomes if people were trained in these life-saving skills. The Rutgers Team offered the “Stop the Bleed” program in cooperation with certified medical professionals. They recruited instructors from the Rutgers University Medical School for 2 in-person training courses on April 8, 2025, in Burlington County, Central New Jersey, and January 10, 2026, in Sussex County, Northern New Jersey. The third training course in Southern New Jersey took place on February 2, 2026, in Gloucester County. This time the team worked with 2 Gloucester County Emergency Management Services instructors who were certified by the American College of Surgeons to teach the “Stop the Bleed” course. The 3 events resulted in 56 farmers and agricultural service providers completing the training and receiving certificates of course completion. It is recommended to offer the training in small groups, especially for the hands-on section to allow trainer supervision to ensure students are using proper techniques. Surveys indicated 75% of those trained responded they would teach techniques learned from the Rutgers training on their farms to family members and employees. The “Stop the Bleed” training program aims to teach individuals skills to effectively control bleeding by using hands to apply direct pressure to a wound, packing a wound, and applying a tourniquet. These 3 skills can potentially save a life by performing first aid before medical professionals arrive. With these actions, anyone can be trained and empowered to save a life using the techniques taught through the “Stop the Bleed” program.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Michelle Infante-Casella, William Bamka, Stephen Komar, Kate Brown
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Infante-Casella, M. Agricultural Agent/Professor, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 08020
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Bamka, W. Agricultural Agent/Professor, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 08060
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Komar, S. Agricultural Agent/Professor, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 07860
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Brown, K. Agricultural Agent/Assistant Professor, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 08807