Trauma Community Education & Injury Prevention Program

Stop the Bleed was created by the American College of Surgeons after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012 and the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. The main objective is to learn how to stop bleeding from traumatic injuries in three simple steps before emergency medical services arrive to save lives. Our education is in response to injuries and deaths experienced in our community. Empowering individuals with these skills can reduce further injuries and deaths in the future.

Falls are a significant concern for seniors as they can lead to serious injuries and health decline. It's essential for seniors to know how to avoid falls to maintain their independence. Our community and loved ones must support seniors by creating a safe environment and offering assistance. Tips to avoid falls include:

• Modifying homes to decrease the risk of falling by removing area rugs, cords and clutter.
• Increase Vitamin D and calcium intake to promote bone density and strength.
• Wear proper footwear and take care of feet.
• Use appropriate assistive devices (canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs)
• Attend yearly checkups with an eye doctor and update vision prescription.
• Be aware of medications and their side effects; some may cause dizziness, lightheadedness or weakness.
• Take your time when moving from lying down to sitting, to standing, as the change in position quickly can cause one to pass out.
• Learn more through the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

The Trauma Center at Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital collaborates with local high schools, police, fire and other city departments to present the “Every 15 Minutes” Program. A two-day interactive injury prevention program, “Every 15 Minutes,” is dedicated to educating junior and senior high school students about the dangers of drinking or texting while driving. Participation in this event helps improve the health of the communities served by Long Beach Medical Center.

Ensuring safety while driving or walking as a pedestrian is crucial to preventing accidents and injuries. With increasing traffic and distractions, awareness of safe practices can save lives. Simple actions like adhering to speed limits and using crosswalks can significantly reduce risks. By prioritizing safety for both drivers and pedestrians, we contribute to a healthier and safer community for everyone.

Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death in individuals aged 1 - 54. Ensure you and your family are safe by following these guidelines:

• Follow seat belt, booster seat and car seat recommendations.
• Decrease distracted driving from cell phone use, eating and headphones.
• Don’t drive under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
• Drive with appropriate vision and/or hearing aids.
• Drive only when safe to do so; always consider weather conditions.

Motorcycle Safety Tips:

• Wear proper outerwear, including a full helmet with face shield, a thick jacket and pants, gloves, and boots.
• Slow down, be aware and be seen.

E-Bike & E-scooter Safety Tips

• Always wear a helmet. Helmets are required for all types of bikes for those under 17.
• Be aware that you can get a DUI while riding under the influence.

Know what type of bike you have, as specific bikes go certain speeds:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist bike with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
• Class 2: Uses a throttle with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
• Class 3: Pedal-assist bike with maximum speed of 28 mph.
• Unrestricted Class 4: Looks like a motorcycle and can go more than 28 mph. These are banned from bike paths and beach trails.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

• Walk in the direction with the traffic flow and follow traffic lights.
• Walk on designated sidewalks or pathways.
• Decrease distractions such as cellphone use and headphones.
• Wear reflective clothing and use flashlights.

Additional Resources

• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
• Walk & Roll Long Beach
• Orange County Transportation Authority
• Round-Planet E-bike Safety Video

Suicide is a leading cause of death in individuals aged 15 - 24. However, it's important to remember that there are resources available to help those in need. Community support, hotlines, and counseling services are available to provide assistance and understanding. Reaching out for help when needed can make a significant difference.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

• Call or text 988.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s National Helpline

• Call (800) 662-HELP (4357) or text your zip code to 435748 (HELP4U) to access the service.

211 LA

• Call (800) 339-6993 to access Los Angeles County’s vast social service delivery system.

Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC)

• Call (844) 804-7500 for availability of inpatient substance abuse beds.

Alcoholics Anonymous

• Harbor Area Central Office 
  3450 E. Spring St. #109, 
  Long Beach, CA, 90806 
  Outside Rear of Building 
  English: (562) 989-7697 
  Spanish: (310) 516-8626

Safe Refuge

• Drug and alcohol rehabilitation and partial hospitalization. 
  3125 E 7^th St., 
  Long Beach, CA, 90804
  (562) 987-5722

New Found Life

• Residential treatment center, alcohol and drug rehabilitation. 
  2211 E Ocean Blvd.,
  Long Beach, CA, 90803
  (562) 434-4060    

Serenity Springs Recovery

• 1775 Chestnut Ave.,
  Long Beach, CA 
  (562) 599-8444

Central Neighborhood Christian Health Clinics

• Combines primary and mental healthcare in one setting.
  711 E Via Wanda,
  Long Beach, CA, 90805 
  Main: (213) 399-4318 Intake: (323) 687-0569    

Tarzana Treatment Centers

• Inpatient, outpatient, detox and rehabilitation services. Locations throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. 
  (800) 996-1051

Twin Town Treatment Centers

• Intensive outpatient treatment centers with locations across Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
  (866) 594-8844 

The Trevor Project

• Suicide Crisis and Mental Health Support Hotline for LGBTQ+ Youth
  Call (866) 488-7386 or text "START" to 678-678.

Preventing violence, particularly gun violence, is essential in creating a safe, thriving community. Each act of violence not only claims lives but also leaves emotional scars on families and neighborhoods. By prioritizing education and proactive measures, we can reduce these tragic events and promote a culture of safety and resilience for everyone.

• Firearm violence is a leading cause of death in youth as of 2022.
• MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center is proud to participate in annual Wear Orange events in June to promote awareness of injuries and deaths from gun violence.
• Free gun locks are available at participating LA County Medical Centers and libraries. Learn more.

Additional resources:

• Gun Safety and Injury Prevention
• Los Angeles County Office of Violence Prevention (OVP)
• County of Los Angeles Public Health’s Gun Violence Prevention Platform
• The April Parker Foundation
• The Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Long Beach
• Centro CHA Inc.

Firework injuries are not just seen in July. Trauma Centers receive patients with firework injuries all year round and in all age groups. Common injuries include amputations of hands and/or fingers and burns. Learn how to keep you, your family and your community safe through these tips:

• Use fireworks responsibly. Fireworks and alcohol or drugs do not mix.
• Adhere to your local laws pertaining to firework use.
• Keep young children and observers at a safe distance.
• If it didn't blow up, don't pick it up!
• Don't let children touch fireworks, including sparklers.
• Don't point or throw fireworks at anyone.

If you sustain a burn from a firework:

• Cool the burn with cool water.
• Remove all clothing and jewelry from the area.
• Cover the area with a clean, dry bandage or sheet.
• Seek medical attention - call 911 or visit your doctor.

Listen to this podcast to learn more.

Long Beach Police Department Non-Emergency Line: (562) 435-6711

Are you interested in collaborating with the Long Beach Medical Center Trauma Center? Complete our online event inquiry form and someone from our team will contact you.

Online Event Inquiry Form