With Terror Attacks on the Rise, Florida Technical College Offers Survival Program Free of Cost as a Community Service

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of terror attacks all over the country, including Ohio State University in late November and the Pulse nightclub in Orlando this summer, Florida Technical College hosted a free seminar this Monday on how to improve survival chances while in the midst of such horrific events.

The Surviving Traumatic Attacks and Rescue (STAR) seminar was taught at the college's Orlando campus. It trained attendants from the hospitality, education and nonprofit sectors, to deal with sudden attacks and active-shooter situations. Participants learned when to run, hide or fight, as well as how to help wounded victims while awaiting for first responders to arrive.

"Knowing what to do can make a live or death difference," said Robert Caruso, FTC's Chief of Public Safety, who developed the program together with security expert Bart Barnack. Both men have an extensive background in counter terrorism and law enforcement, including missions with the U.S. Government to train military and civilian forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Caruso and Barnack, advised surveying public places for exit doors at all time to know how to escape during an emergency. If an individual appears to be suspicious, listen to your instincts and get away quickly.  If the unthinkable happens, running away from the gunfire or the attacker improves survival odds.

"A moving target is harder to hit than a still target," said Barnack, also a retired SWAT Team commander. "Don't stop. You'll be able to help victims better once you're safe by going back in once the shooter is gone or neutralized, or by being able to tell first responders where they are."

Seminar attendees also received hands-on training on how to stop profuse bleeding by packing a gun or knife wound with combat gauze. Readily available on several ecommerce platforms, combat gauze has a chemical compound that helps with clotting. Participants also learned how to improvise with other materials such as items of clothing, belts and shoe laces when the gauze isn't available.

"Doing nothing is no longer an option,'' said Caruso. "First responders have to plan before taking action, which can take valuable time away from treating victims.  The STAR program is a tried and proven method of survival with minimal training and experience."

About Florida Technical College: FTC offers associate and bachelor's degrees and diploma programs in a range of professions, including healthcare, computer networking, graphic design, criminal justice, culinary arts and cosmetology.  FTC's campuses are located in Orlando, Lakeland, DeLand, Kissimmee, Cutler Bay and Pembroke Pines. Founded in 1982 to provide private, post-secondary education in specialized fields, FTC is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Program availability varies by location. For graduation rates, median date of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit www.ftccollege.edu/disclosures.html.

Contact: Maria Isabel Sanquírico Mobile: 813-420-2922

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SOURCE Florida Technical College