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Posted by Mia on 1/31/2025 to
First Aid Kits
In an emergency, knowing how to stop severe bleeding can mean the difference between life and death. Whether from an accident, injury, or traumatic event, uncontrolled bleeding can lead to shock and even death in minutes. That’s why the Stop the Bleed campaign was created—to empower bystanders with the skills to intervene before professional medical help arrives.
Why Stopping the Bleed is Critical
A person can bleed out in as little as five minutes. Quick action is crucial to prevent excessive blood loss, which can lead to shock, organ failure, or even death. By learning simple techniques, you can become a lifesaver in an emergency situation.
First Aid Steps to Stop the Bleed
first aid and bleeding control kits
1. Ensure Your Safety
Before helping someone who is bleeding, check your surroundings for safety. If the area is dangerous (e.g., active shooter, fire, or unstable structures), call 911 and wait for help. If safe, proceed with caution and use gloves if available to protect yourself from bloodborne pathogens.
2. Call 911
Even if you successfully control the bleeding, emergency medical professionals are needed to assess and treat the injury. Call for help immediately or instruct someone else to do so.
3. Identify the Bleeding Source
Locate the wound and determine the severity of the bleeding. Severe bleeding is characterized by:
- Blood that is spurting or flowing rapidly.
- Blood soaking through clothing or bandages quickly.
- A deep wound exposing muscle, bone, or tissue.
4. Apply Direct Pressure
- Use a clean cloth, gauze, or even a shirt to cover the wound.
- Press firmly and maintain constant pressure with both hands.
- Do not remove the dressing—if it becomes soaked, add more layers on top and keep pressing.
5. Elevate the Wounded Area (if possible)
If the bleeding is from an arm or leg, raise it above the level of the heart to slow the blood flow.
6. Use a Tourniquet for Severe Limb Bleeding
If direct pressure isn’t stopping the bleeding and the wound is on a limb, apply a tourniquet:
- Place the tourniquet 2–3 inches above the bleeding site (never on a joint).
- Tighten until the bleeding stops.
- Note the time the tourniquet was applied and inform medical responders—it should not stay on for more than two hours without medical intervention.
7. Keep the Victim Calm and Warm
Blood loss can lead to shock, so keep the injured person warm with a blanket and reassure them that help is on the way. Encourage them to stay as still as possible to reduce further blood loss.
Stop the Bleed Kits: A Must-Have for Emergencies
Having a Stop the Bleed Kit on hand can save lives. These kits typically include:
- Gloves
- Gauze pads
- Emergency bandages
- Tourniquets
- Trauma shears
- Instruction cards
Many workplaces, schools, and public spaces now keep these kits readily available. Consider carrying one in your car or home for emergencies.
Final Thoughts
Bleeding control is a crucial skill that everyone should know. By following these Stop the Bleed techniques, you can act quickly and effectively in an emergency, potentially saving a life. Take a Stop the Bleed training course near you to gain hands-on experience and confidence in handling trauma situations.
Would you like to be better prepared for emergencies? Check out our range of first aid and bleeding control kits to keep yourself and others safe.
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