Every minute matters in an emergency.

It could be the difference between life and death.

Westport EMS is teaching civilians and residents in its community how to prepare for emergencies before they happen. That's why its "Stop the Bleed" classes fill up so quickly.

"The whole point of "Stop the Bleed" is the acknowledgment that the general public is the true first responders because they're there way before we arrive," said Marc Hartog, deputy director of Westport EMS.

Westport EMS is aiming to have at least one "Stop the Bleed" class a month. The most recent one was Sept. 17. Registration was full weeks before, and October's was already listed as sold out. The classes are free and can accommodate up to 40 people.

"We have a really great group of people who live in Westport who are concerned about each other, concerned about their families, concerned about their neighbors, and want to be able to help out should an emergency arise," Hartog said.

The 90-minute class teaches three things: how to apply focused pressure to the wound, pack and compress deep injuries and apply a tourniquet correctly and safely.

"We always hear from people that they really feel they've learned something that's useful and that they feel at the end of the class that should something happen, they would be able to help somebody," Hartog said. Hartog also gave advice to anyone who may be in a situation where they have to help.

"I do this on almost every call I go on, even the most high-pressure calls. Take a deep breath, calm yourself down for a second. Think about what you have to do and do it," he said.

Participants who complete the course receive an ACS "Stop the Bleed" certificate and access to an online refresher module and reference cards for continued practice.

Hartog said new classes will be posted to their website. If you are interested in joining a class that is already full, you can email stopthebleed@westportems.org to find out if a spot has opened up.