Working toward Equity in Emergencies (WE) through Stop the Bleed: A pilot collaborative health program with the Somali community in Seattle.

BACKGROUND: We developed a culturally-adapted program (WE Stop the Bleed) to increase bleeding control knowledge and self-efficacy among Somali individuals, and to build trust between Somali individuals and first responders.

METHODS: WE Stop the Bleed was piloted in the Seattle Somali community with first responders as skills coaches. The program included: 1) adapted ACS Stop the Bleed program; 2) cultural exchange. We evaluated knowledge, self-efficacy, and trust between Somali participants and first responders using a pre/post survey.

RESULTS: Attendance exceeded a priori goals (27 community participants, 13 first responders). 96% of participants would recommend the training. Knowledge and self-efficacy improved pre/post (62%-72%, 65%-93% respectively). First responders indicated increased comfort with Somali individuals, and participants reported positive changes in perceptions of first responders.

CONCLUSIONS: WE Stop the Bleed is a feasible and acceptable program to increase bleeding control knowledge and self-efficacy among participants and build trust between participants and first responders.