Injury Prevention Programs

Learn practical ways to prevent injuries and promote safety in your community. Washington Health offers educational programs covering bleeding emergencies, fall prevention, driving, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and choking response.

Program Information & Requests: Whether you're looking for a class, lecture, or presentation, our Injury Prevention team can help you find the right program for your needs. To learn more or request a program for your organization or community group, please contact Garrett Cordes, Injury Prevention Coordinator, at Trauma_Dept@WashingtonHealth.com.

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Stop the Bleed®

Stop the Bleed® is a nationally recognized training program that empowers everyday people to take action during a bleeding emergency. Severe bleeding can become fatal within minutes, and immediate bystander response can make the difference between life and death before first responders arrive.

This hands-on workshop provides practical, lifesaving skills that can be used in situations such as serious accidents, workplace injuries, natural disasters, or acts of violence.

This hands-on training teaches you how to:

• Recognize life-threatening bleeding
• Apply direct pressure to a wound
• Pack a wound to control severe bleeding
• Properly use a tourniquet
• Take action and provide care until EMS arrives

Programs and Education

• Full workshop (30–60 minutes): Includes a brief presentation and hands-on practice.
• Skills-only demonstration: A shorter option for community events and groups.

Who Can Participate?

Stop the Bleed® training is open to everyone and is ideal for schools, workplaces, community groups, and individuals.

Classes are offered at Washington Health and can also be provided at your organization or community event at no cost.

Learn More

• Stop the Bleed®
• Stop the Bleed Coalition

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Fall Prevention

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury, hospitalization, and loss of independence in older adults. Even a single fall can result in fractures, head injuries, reduced mobility, and fear of falling again. The good news is that many falls are preventable. Washington Health offers evidence-based fall prevention programs designed to improve strength, balance, and confidence so older adults can stay active and safe.

Programs and Education

Matter of Balance
A nationally recognized program that helps older adults reduce their fear of falling and build confidence in everyday activities. Participants learn practical fall prevention strategies, increase physical activity, and improve balance through guided discussions and group activities.

Bingocize®
A fun, interactive program that combines exercise, health education, and bingo. Participants can improve strength, balance, and mobility while promoting social connection and overall wellness.

Fall Prevention Lecture (1 hour)
This presentation covers practical ways to reduce fall risk, including common risk factors, home safety recommendations, and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) 6 Steps to Prevent a Fall:

• Get your vision and hearing checked annually
• Find a good balance and exercise program
• Talk to your health care provider
• Regularly review your medications
• Keep your home safe
• Talk to your family members

Who Can Participate?

Fall prevention programs are available for older adults, caregivers, senior living communities, senior centers, and community organizations.

Learn More

• CDC: Older Adult Fall Prevention
• National Council on Aging: Falls Prevention
• National Institute on Aging: Falls and Fractures in Older Adults
• CDC STEADI: Older Adult Fall Prevention

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Driving Safety

Programs and Education

Distracted Driving

This presentation helps participants understand how texting, eating, adjusting technology and other distractions can affect their ability to drive safely. Participants learn how distractions increase crash risk and how focused driving can help prevent serious injuries.

Drive Safer, Drive Longer

This program helps older adults address age-related changes that can affect driving while maintaining mobility and independence.

Topics include:

• Vision, hearing, and reaction time changes
• Safe driving strategies for older adults
• Planning for challenging driving conditions
• Extending safe driving years while maintaining independence

Program Format

The 45–60 minute interactive presentations are ideal for teen drivers, older adults, workplaces, schools and community groups. Programs are offered at Washington Health and can also be brought to your organization or community event.

Who Can Participate?

Driving safety programs are available for teens, older adults, workplaces, schools, community groups and organizations.

Learn More

• California Office of Traffic Safety: Distracted Driving
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Distracted Driving
• California Highway Patrol: Youth Programs and Services
• California Highway Patrol: Adult Distracted Driving Program

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Pedestrian Safety (TRED Wise)

Washington Health offers pedestrian safety education to help people recognize traffic hazards, make safer choices and reduce the risk of pedestrian injuries. TRED Wise is an evidence-based pedestrian safety presentation developed through the Training, Research, and Education for Driving Safety (TREDS) program at UC San Diego.

TRED Wise Pedestrian Safety Presentation

This 45–60 minute interactive presentation provides practical tips for staying safe while walking near traffic. Participants learn how to:

• Cross streets safely using marked crosswalks
• Stay alert and avoid distractions, including mobile devices
• Improve visibility in low-light conditions
• Recognize common traffic hazards and unsafe driving behaviors
• Take age-specific safety considerations into account for older adults and children

Program Format

The presentation is ideal for schools, senior centers, community groups and local organizations. Programs are offered at Washington Health and can also be brought to your organization or community event.

Who Can Participate?

Pedestrian safety education is available for older adults, families, students, caregivers and community members.

Learn More

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Pedestrian Safety
• California Office of Traffic Safety: Pedestrian Safety
• CDC: Pedestrian Safety
• City of Fremont: Safe Routes to School

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Bicycle and Helmet Safety

Bicycling and riding scooters are fun, healthy ways to get around, but falls and collisions can cause serious injuries. Wearing a properly fitted helmet and following safe riding practices can help reduce the risk of injury.

Our bicycle and scooter safety resources provide practical tips to help you and your family ride safely and reduce the risk of injury.

Bicycle and Scooter Safety Tips

• Wear a properly fitted helmet on every ride
• Replace your helmet after a significant impact or crash
• Use bike lights and reflective gear in low-light conditions
• Follow traffic laws and ride predictably
• Stay alert at intersections and driveways
• Avoid distractions, including mobile devices and headphones
• Make sure children have appropriate supervision and safety equipment

Make Sure Your Helmet Fits

A helmet provides the best protection when it fits properly. Make sure your helmet:

• Sits level on your head and is not tilted back
• Fits snugly without shifting
• Has straps secured comfortably under your chin

Who This Information Is For

Bicycle and helmet safety is important for children, teens, families, commuters and older adults.

Learn More

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Fitting Your Bike Helmet
• CDC: Helmet Safety
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Bicycle Safety
• National Safety Council: Bicycle Safety

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Choking Education

Choking can happen quickly and without warning when food or another object blocks the airway. Knowing how to recognize choking and respond quickly can help save a life. Washington Health offers education on choking recognition, response and prevention.

Programs and Education

Choking Recognition & Response

This 15–30 minute session teaches participants how to recognize choking and respond appropriately, including how to perform abdominal thrusts.

Participants will learn how to:

• Recognize the signs of choking
• Know when to encourage coughing and when to take action
• Use proper hand placement and technique for abdominal thrusts
• Respond if choking occurs when alone
• Identify common choking hazards
• Practice safe eating and food preparation habits

The session may include demonstrations and guided practice.

Choking Prevention Tips

• Cut food into small pieces
• Chew thoroughly and eat slowly
• Avoid talking or laughing while eating
• Sit upright while eating
• Supervise children during meals
• Use caution with foods that may pose a choking risk
• Ensure proper denture fit or swallowing ability in older adults

Who Can Participate?

Choking education is available for older adults, parents and caregivers, schools, childcare providers, senior living communities, community organizations and the general public.

Learn More

• CDC: Choking Prevention
• American Heart Association: What to Do if Someone Is Choking
• California Department of Public Health: Choking Prevention for Young Children