Residents in one of New York City’s most violent neighborhoods are now being trained to save lives on the streets.
Story Snapshot
- FDNY launched the “Control the Bleed” program in Brownsville, Brooklyn, a neighborhood long plagued by gun violence.
- Over 40 local violence interrupters and residents received hands-on training from FDNY EMTs and paramedics.
- The initiative empowers community members to act as first responders, bridging the gap between injury and professional medical care.
- Training was held at the NYCHA Van Dyke Community Center, a hub for anti-violence efforts.
- FDNY plans to expand the program to other high-violence neighborhoods across the city.
Empowering Communities in Crisis
On November 18, 2025, FDNY EMTs and paramedics conducted the first “Control the Bleed” training session at the NYCHA Van Dyke Community Center in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The program, designed for non-medical community members, teaches practical techniques to control severe bleeding in victims of shootings and stabbings. The training comes amid ongoing concerns about gun violence and slow EMS response times in the area. Over 40 local violence interrupters and residents participated, gaining skills that could mean the difference between life and death in the critical minutes before professional help arrives.
Partnerships and Community Impact
The initiative is a partnership between the FDNY, Brownsville In Violence Out (BIVO), and the NYCHA Van Dyke Community Center. BIVO, a local anti-gun violence group, has long worked to reduce violence through non-police interventions. The program is supported by funding from the Department of Homeland Security and the FDNY Foundation. FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker emphasized the importance of equipping everyday citizens with lifesaving skills, stating, “By teaching lifesaving skills, we’re ensuring that everyday citizens can respond with confidence when faced with life-threatening bleeding.” BIVO’s Dushoun Almond added, “If people had the knowledge on stopping the bleed, how many lives they could save. So for us, it’s tremendous for everybody to get this training.”
Residents in one of NYC’s most violent nabes get lessons on how to stop street vics from bleeding out https://t.co/Tw710Fcm06 pic.twitter.com/oe3DFDxaqG
— New York Post Metro (@nypmetro) November 18, 2025
Broader Implications and Future Plans
The “Control the Bleed” program represents a significant step in empowering residents of high-violence neighborhoods to act as first responders. The initiative is well-supported by local organizations, government agencies, and independent analysis, with early evidence suggesting positive impacts on public safety and community trust. The program’s success could serve as a model for other high-violence neighborhoods in NYC and beyond. However, some experts highlight persistent challenges, such as funding delays and limited geographic coverage of violence interruption programs.
The FDNY’s “Control the Bleed” program is a testament to the power of community-based public safety interventions. By equipping residents with the skills to save lives, the initiative strengthens community resilience and trust in public safety agencies. The program’s success could inspire similar efforts in other cities, helping to reduce preventable deaths and build stronger, safer communities.
Sources:
FDNY Launches ‘Control the Bleed’ Training Program in Brownsville
FDNY Launches Control the Bleed Training in Gun Violence Hotspot
FDNY Launches Control the Bleed Training Program to Empower Bystanders
FDNY Stop the Bleeding Brownsville
NYC Violence Interruption System Brownsville
State Preparedness Training Center Calendar
