| Uncontrolled bleeding is one of the leading causes of preventable death, but it doesn’t have to be. As a vascular surgeon, believe the Stop the Bleed program is a powerful way to equip everyday people with the skills to save lives in critical moments. With just a few simple techniques, anyone can learn to control bleeding until professional help arrives. Take the first step toward becoming a prepared responder—contact my office to learn more or schedule a Stop the Bleed training session for your school, workplace, or community. |
As a vascular surgeon, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of uncontrolled bleeding. Whether from a car accident, workplace injury, or mass casualty event, severe bleeding can claim a life in minutes. That’s why I’m a staunch advocate for the American College of Surgeons’ Stop the Bleed program, a life-saving initiative that equips everyday people with the skills to act in a crisis. Here’s why this program is essential and how it works, and why everyone should learn these techniques.
Why Stop the Bleed Matters
Trauma is a leading cause of death worldwide, and bleeding is often the culprit. In situations like mass shootings, natural disasters, or even household mishaps, emergency responders may be delayed. Studies show that a person can bleed to death in as little as 3-10 minutes, but immediate action by bystanders can bridge the gap.
The Stop the Bleed program, inspired by military trauma care, simplifies these techniques for civilians, making it accessible to all ages and backgrounds. Since its launch, 3 million people have been trained globally, proving its impact and scalability. The program’s mission resonates deeply with me as a surgeon: to empower communities to save lives.
By teaching simple, effective methods to control bleeding, we can prevent avoidable deaths and give victims a fighting chance until professional help arrives.
The Essentials of Stop the Bleed
The Stop the Bleed program boils down to three easily teachable steps, designed to be instinctive and actionable even under stress. Here’s how it works, using the memorable A-B-C framework:
Ensure Safety (A: Alert)
Before acting, ensure the scene is safe to avoid becoming a victim yourself. Assess for dangers like traffic, fire, or an active threat. If it’s safe, call 911 or direct someone to do so. This step is about quick decision-making and staying calm to help effectively.
Apply Direct Pressure (B: Bleeding, C: Compress)
Identify the source of severe bleeding—look for blood spurting, pooling, or soaking through clothing. Use your hands, a cloth, or any clean material to press firmly on the wound. If bleeding persists, add more layers and press harder. Maintain pressure until the bleeding stops or help arrives. This hands-on technique is simple yet powerful, often enough to stabilize a victim.
Use a Tourniquet or Pack the Wound
For bleeding that direct pressure can’t control, escalate your response:
Tourniquets for Limbs: Apply a commercial tourniquet (like a CAT) 2-3 inches above the wound, tightening until bleeding stops. Note the time for responders. If no tourniquet is available, improvise with a belt and stick, though commercial devices are preferred.
Wound Packing for Junctional or Torso Wounds: For injuries in areas like the neck or groin, pack the wound tightly with gauze, cloth, or hemostatic dressings, then apply firm pressure.
These techniques, while advanced, are taught in a way that’s clear and repeatable, even for non-medical folks.
Why These Skills Are Critical
The beauty of Stop the Bleed lies in its simplicity and universality. The training takes just 1-2 hours, requires no medical background, and uses minimal equipment (gauze, tourniquets, or improvised materials). As a vascular surgeon, I know these techniques work—they’re rooted in evidence-based trauma care used on battlefields and adapted for civilian life. By learning them, you become a vital link in the chain of survival.
How You Can Get Involved
I urge everyone—parents, teachers, coworkers, students—to take a Stop the Bleed course. Visit stopthebleed.org to find local classes, access free resources, or request training for your workplace or school. As a community, we can build a network of prepared responders, ready to act when seconds count.
Together, let’s stop the bleed and save lives. If you’d like to learn more or schedule a training session, contact my office or explore the resources linked below.
FAQ
- What is Stop the Bleed?
Stop the Bleed is a national program that teaches people how to control life-threatening bleeding in emergency situations. - Who should take Stop the Bleed training?
Anyone can and should take the training, including parents, teachers, students, and community members. - How long does a Stop the Bleed course take?
The training typically takes just 1 to 2 hours to complete. - What supplies are needed to stop bleeding in an emergency?
Essential supplies include gloves, gauze, a tourniquet, or any clean cloth if needed. - How can I sign up for a Stop the Bleed class?
Visit stopthebleed.org or contact Dr. Schmetterer’s office to find or schedule a course.
Resources:
- Dr. Lawrence Schmetterer, Vascular Surgeon
- Stop the bleed: stopthebleed.org
- American College
