While there are medical grade supplies designed for professional use in a bleeding control kit, you do not necessarily need to have training to be able to use one. Anyone is eligible, and everyone is recommended to use a bleeding control kit in case of an emergency!
Is there specific training I should have before using a Stop the Bleed Kit?
While there are specific training courses you can receive on severe bleeding first aid and bloodborne pathogens, it is NOT required to have training to use a bleeding control kit.
However, we recommend investing in CPR, First Aid, and AED courses for yourself, your employees, and your community. These all-inclusive courses can help you learn invaluable CPR and basic first aid that can cover common injuries like bleeding, burns, poisoning, shock, and respiratory emergencies. By learning the important basics and gaining confidence in emergency preparedness, you can have a greater chance at preventing death due to trauma-induced bleeding.
What is included in a Stop the Bleed Kit?
You may or may not know the items included in a Stop the Bleed Kit. Even if you do, do you know the purpose of each item?
- The permanent marker can be used on a variety of surfaces, including paper, tape, tourniquet flaps, compression bandages, and skin to record the time aid was given for first responders.
- The trauma shears can be used to cut through thick material like clothing to limit the victim’s movement and to see the wound more clearly.
- The tourniquet is used to stop external bleeding by cutting off blood flow in both the upper and lower extremities.
- The nitrile gloves provide protection from infection and bloodborne illnesses like HIV and hepatitis.
- The emergency bandages can be used to apply immediate and direct pressure.
- The rolls of compressed gauze can be used to pack wounds and wrap injuries.
How to Use Your Stop the Bleed Kit (step-by-step)
1. Before using a Stop the Bleed kit, it is important to evaluate the situation you are in and make sure you are out of harm’s way. If necessary, move yourself and the victim affected to safety before using a Stop the Bleed kit.
2. Once you have ensured safety for both yourself and the victim, dial 911 or ask a bystander to do so. In many instances, if you are not a medical professional, emergency services will remain on the phone to provide you with instruction until professional help can arrive.
3. Before attending to the victim, put on gloves and find the source of the bleeding.
4. Be sure to use the trauma shears to remove any clothing or items from around the wound so it is clearly visible.
5. If there is any life-threatening bleeding shown, use emergency bandages and compressed gauze to apply immediate compression until professional help arrives.
Investing in CPR/AED and First Aid Training and having multiple Stop the Bleed kits accessibility will give you the peace of mind that if bleeding control is needed, you have the capability and resources needed to keep your community safe. If you would like to learn more information on how you can stock your business up with these tools, please contact us using our Contact Us Form and shop our bleeding control kits today.