LIBERTY -- It only takes three minutes to bleed to death if a wound is serious enough. That's why in emergency situations the actions of bystanders are so crucial, because sometimes people don't have long enough for paramedics to arrive.

Operation Endeavor -- a 501(c)(3) non-profit missioned to provide training in rescue, emergency medicine and trauma, while supporting public health and safety, EMS system development, and disaster preparedness in developing regions of the world -- recently held BCon (Bleeding Control) training sessions for Liberty Central School District faculty and substitute teachers on February 15 and March 15. Approximately 185 were trained in February, and close to that amount were trained in the sessions last Friday.

Liberty High School Principal Derek Adams was one of many individuals trained in the district.

“It's informative, practical, and for us, it aligns with the district safety initiative to help staff and students prepare for unforeseen scenarios,” Adams said.

The safety initiative at the high school has consisted of four aligned programs.

BCon training is one. Run, Hide, Fight which students and staff participated in, was another and also dealt with physical situations. While the other two, the national Say Something Campaign and Breaking the Cycle dealt with reporting situations of concern and health on a more emotional level.

Kelli Arpino, secretary to assistant principals at the high school, said the BCon training was the favorite of all she's attended. “It was interactive, informative and hands-on,” Arpino said. “I learned -- in case of a real emergency -- what your options are and how to handle them appropriately.”

William Durando, a volunteer with Operation Endeavor, was one of the people providing the training. “I believe it's essential training to make sure if there's an issue, staff is trained to save a life,” he said. “It will help not just here, but anywhere they go.”

Chuck Atwell is the CEO of Operation Endeavor and a paramedic. At the training he referenced the recent Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting, and how the BCon training synagogue members received prior to that horrific event, made a difference and saved lives that day.

“These are really easy skills you can use to save a life,” Atwell said of the training.

Liberty is the first school district Operation Endeavor has delivered BCon training at, but they're currently in talks with other schools.

Bleeding control is often associated in people's minds with horrific events such as mass shootings. However, these skills may need to be put into action if a student runs into a locker door and gets cut deep enough.

Operation Endeavor's goal is to train as many people as possible and equip them with these skills. Following the training, multiple bleeding control kits were left for distribution throughout the district in case of an emergency.

“A lot of people are hesitant to learn because [events associated with heavy bleeding/serious injuries] are scary,” Atwell said. “But it's a reality. Bystanders need to step up.”

For more information about Operation Endeavor, visit 911fortheworld.org. To learn more about BCon in general, visit www.bleedingcontrol.org.