Bellmore Student's $3,000 Fundraiser Leads To Emergency Training

MERRICK, NY — Members of Northwell Health came to Bellmore-JFK High School to show students how to prepare for emergencies on a basic level.

They were trained with "Stop the Bleed" kits, using items that can save seconds when lives are in the balance.

The day was made possible by sophomore Sydney Brewer, who had a $3,000 fundraising goal to place kits in every classroom at Kennedy.

"We each had to pick something that we are passionate about in my leadership class. It's called 'The Civics Project,'" Brewer told Patch.

For Brewer, one day and issue resonated.

"I'm the same age as the children in the Sandy Hook shooting," she said. "I was in first grade when it happened, so I knew I needed to do something ever since I was that young."

It's a pivotal moment in her upbringing, as Brewer can recall hearing about the tragedy on the school bus.

"I remember so vividly going home to my mom and saying, 'Did someone kill kids like me, my age?' My mom just broke down into tears. I didn't understand," Brewer said.

Therefore, she looked for the best fundraiser to focus on the "well-being and safety of these students."

Her class assignment only called for spreading awareness, but that wasn't enough for Brewer, who started raising money, including coordinating a Comedy Night at The Brokerage.

Once the kits were purchased, Brewer contacted Northwell, who was happy to participate.

Among the staffers donating time on Friday was Dr. Matthew Bank, the director of trauma at Northwell Health, who said major arterial bleeding could lead to death within minutes.

Bank said that once trained, someone can treat themselves in a pinch.

The "kit" items to stop the bleeding include gauze and a tourniquet.

"You can truly save someone's life," Bank told Patch. "Once you stop that bleeding and come to the hospital, you give us a chance to do our job."

Perhaps the most important aspect of the training, Bank said, is having a comfort level in an emergency.

"We've put something in your head," Bank said. "That is the best way not to freak out."

With all of the training being shown to her classmates, Brewer feels "incredibly happy because all these kids are going to learn," she said.