Who Can Use a Stop the Bleed Kit?

Who can use a Stop the Bleed© kit? You can! 

Although Stop the Bleed© Kits contain professional medical-grade supplies and equipment designed to stop traumatic hemorrhaging, they’re also made for public access and can be used by anyone.

Do I Need Special Training to Use a Stop the Bleed Kit?

No, you do not need special training to use a Stop the Bleed© Kit or any bleeding control kit. Each kit contains easy-to-follow directions. 

Although special training is not required to use a Stop the Bleed© kit, here at Cardio Partners, we think everyone should have first aid, CPR, and AED training. 

When you take an American Red Cross or American Heart Association CPR, First Aid AED course, you’ll learn invaluable CPR techniques and basic first aid skills that cover common scenarios including bleeding, burns, poisoning, shock, and respiratory emergencies. You’ll also learn important techniques to help prevent death due to trauma-induced bleeding. 

In this era of active shooters and mass shootings, first aid and traumatic bleeding control training are increasingly important!

The American College of Surgeons found that many Americans would be interested in “taking a bleeding control course that would empower them to immediately assist victims of active shooter and other intentional mass casualty events … There’s also strong public support for putting bleeding control kits in public places where large crowds gather, similar to the way that automatic external defibrillators are now found in airports and shopping malls for use by responders who have undergone cardiopulmonary resuscitation training.”

Most importantly, first aid and bleeding control training increases confidence and improves efficacy, leading to higher survival rates. 

Although training helps, remember, anyone can use a bleeding control kit!

How to Use Your Stop the Bleed Kit

Remain calm and before you do anything, take stock of the situation and make sure you’re out of harm’s way. If necessary, move yourself and the injured person to safety. 

Once you’ve ensured your personal safety, call 911 or ask another bystander to do so. Next, put on gloves (if possible) and offer assistance to the victim or victims. In many instances, emergency services will remain on the phone with you and provide instruction and support until professional help arrives. You can also quickly scan the kit’s enclosed instructions.

1. Ensure your own safety
2. Call 911
3. Find the source of the bleeding
4. Remove clothing from around the wound so you can clearly see it
5. Look for and identify life-threatening bleeding
6. Apply compression

What’s the difference between a Stop the Bleed© kid and a first aid kit? Find out here! For more information on Stop the Bleed© kits and to find the bleeding control kit that is right for you, visit our website or download our free Bleeding Control Resource Guide.