Urban Emergency Response Training with UMedics

Finally having a physical space where people can gather together opens up so many opportunities for our work. We are honored and grateful to be able to invite community partners in to share their knowledge and skills with us.  On May 25, we invited Ujimaa Medics (UMedics) to give a Gunshot First Response workshop. Many members of our community have experienced gun violence, both indirectly and directly. We imagine a future in which the norm of gun violence in our neighborhoods is instead replaced by community programs and resources. As we work toward that future, we also know that WE keep us safe. UMedics was founded by Amika Tendaji and Martine Caverl after the loss of a young person who was not able to receive the immediate care needed for a gunshot wound. The workshops offered by UMedics are created for people who live in or have loved ones who live in neighborhoods where shooting often occurs. As stated on their website, “it’s incredibly clear to us that when our people are armed with information and confidence, we are the best decision makers for our bodies and those in our communities.” 

Martine Caverl demonstrating how to use everyday materials to treat a gunshot wound

During the workshop, UMedics facilitators demonstrated for us how to assess the safety of a situation after a shooting occurs, how to assist the  injured, how to manage the chaos after a shooting occurs, and what to do when police and paramedics arrive. We learned the do’s and don’ts of calling for an ambulance, how to be a helpful bystander, and possible materials to use if there is no first aid kit available.

The work of UMedics is incredibly important and can be life-saving. We are so grateful to be in community and partnership with them, and we look forward to hosting similar events and workshops in the future.

Visit https://www.umedics.org/ to request a training for your community.