Stop the Bleed: Life-Saving Skills Everyone Should Know

Darryl Robb
Nov 20, 2024
3 min read

Emergencies can strike anywhere, at any time. Whether at work, on the road, or in a public place, being prepared to help someone in a critical situation can mean the difference between life and death. One of the most crucial skills you can learn is how to control severe bleeding—and that’s where “Stop the Bleed” training comes in.

At Duty Pro.327, we’re passionate about empowering individuals with life-saving knowledge. In this blog, we’ll discuss what the “Stop the Bleed” program is, why it’s vital, and how you can get involved.

What is “Stop the Bleed”?

“Stop the Bleed” is a national awareness campaign and training program initiated by the American College of Surgeons. It focuses on teaching civilians how to control severe bleeding in emergencies—whether caused by an accident, a natural disaster, or an intentional act of violence.

The program equips participants with the skills to:

Identify life-threatening bleeding.
Use pressure, gauze, and tourniquets to control blood loss effectively.
Act quickly and confidently before professional medical help arrives.

Since its launch in 2015, “Stop the Bleed” has trained millions of people worldwide, turning ordinary bystanders into potential lifesavers.

Why Is Bleeding Control So Important?

Severe bleeding can result in death within minutes, especially if a major artery is involved. According to experts:

A person can die from blood loss in as little as 5 minutes.
Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death in trauma cases.

In emergencies, bystanders are often the first on the scene. Equipping yourself with bleeding control skills means you can take immediate action, potentially saving a life while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.

Key Techniques for Stopping the Bleed

Here’s a brief overview of the steps you’ll learn during a “Stop the Bleed” course:

1. Ensure Your Safety

Before helping, ensure the scene is safe for you to approach. Avoid putting yourself in danger.

2. Identify the Source of Bleeding

Quickly locate the source of bleeding. Look for a large pool of blood or blood-soaked clothing.

3. Apply Direct Pressure

Use a clean cloth or gauze pad and press firmly on the wound with both hands. Maintain pressure until help arrives or bleeding stops.

4. Pack the Wound

For deep wounds, pack the wound with gauze or a clean cloth, then apply firm pressure directly over it.

5. Use a Tourniquet

If bleeding cannot be controlled with pressure alone, apply a tourniquet above the injury site. Tighten it until bleeding stops.

How to Get “Stop the Bleed” Certified

Duty Pro.327 proudly offers “Stop the Bleed” training as part of our life-saving certification courses. Here’s why you should consider taking this training:

Hands-On Experience: Learn from experienced instructors in a supportive, interactive environment.
Confidence in Emergencies: Gain the skills and confidence to act decisively when it matters most.
Community Impact: You’ll be better prepared to protect loved ones, coworkers, and even strangers.

Classes are open to individuals, schools, community groups, and businesses. Contact us today to schedule a session or join an upcoming class.

Make a Difference

Being prepared to stop the bleed isn’t just about gaining skills—it’s about becoming a lifeline in your community. By learning and sharing this knowledge, you can help create a safer, more resilient world.

Let’s work together to make a difference. Sign up for a “Stop the Bleed” course with Duty Pro.327 today and be the hero someone might need tomorrow.