STOP THE BLEED: A Crucial Certification for Everyday Heroes

Every second can be the difference between life and death in an emergency. Understanding how to control bleeding is a vital skill that can save lives in various scenarios, from car accidents to natural disasters. The Stop The Bleed certification training provides individuals with the knowledge and confidence needed to act decisively in critical moments. 

The History of STOP THE BLEED

The STOP THE BLEED initiative was launched in October 2015 by the White House as part of a national awareness campaign aimed at teaching civilians the basics of bleeding control. The program was developed in response to the increasing frequency of mass casualty events, such as shootings and bombings, and the recognition that bystanders often are the first on the scene and can play a crucial role in saving lives before professional medical help arrives.

The genesis of STOP THE BLEED can be traced back to the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. In response to the tragedy, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) convened a joint committee known as the Hartford Consensus. This group, comprising experts from various fields, focused on improving survivability in mass casualty events. One of their key recommendations was to empower the public with the skills to control life-threatening bleeding.

This led to the development of the STOP THE BLEED course, which is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their medical background. Since its inception, the program has trained over a million people worldwide, emphasizing the importance of immediate action in preventing unnecessary deaths.

Who Should Take STOP THE BLEED Training?

The short answer is everyone. The STOP THE BLEED certification is valuable for individuals across all walks of life, as bleeding emergencies can occur anytime, anywhere. Here are some groups who particularly benefit from this training:

Teachers and School Staff: Schools are often the scene of accidents and potential mass casualty events. Teachers and staff equipped with bleeding control skills can make a critical difference in such emergencies.

First Responders: While police officers, firefighters, and EMTs receive extensive medical training, Stop The Bleed provides additional, focused training that can be crucial in the initial moments before advanced medical care arrives.

Workplace Safety Officers: Industrial accidents, office injuries, and other workplace incidents can lead to severe bleeding. Training workplace safety officers ensure that help is available immediately.

Outdoor Enthusiasts: Hikers, campers, and sports enthusiasts often find themselves in remote locations where medical help might be delayed. Knowing how to control bleeding can be lifesaving in these situations.

Parents and Caregivers: Children are prone to accidents, and being prepared to handle severe bleeding can protect them until professional help arrives.

Community Volunteers: From event organizers to local leaders, anyone involved in community activities can benefit from being prepared to handle emergencies.

What Skills Are Covered in STOP THE BLEED Training?

The STOP THE BLEED course is designed to be straightforward and effective, providing participants with practical skills that can be applied immediately in real-life situations. Here’s what attendees can expect to learn:

1. Identifying Life-Threatening Bleeding: Participants are taught how to quickly recognize the signs of severe bleeding. This includes understanding the difference between arterial, venous, and capillary bleeding, and knowing which types require immediate intervention.

2. Using Pressure to Control Bleeding: Applying direct pressure is one of the most effective ways to control bleeding. The course demonstrates proper techniques for applying pressure effectively using hands, clothes, or any available materials.

3. Wound Packing: Wound packing can be a lifesaver when direct pressure isn’t enough. Participants learn how to pack a wound with gauze or cloth to control bleeding.

4. Applying Tourniquets: Tourniquets can be crucial in stopping arterial bleeding from limbs. The course covers how to properly apply a tourniquet to ensure it is effective without causing further injury.

5. Maintaining Calm and Communicating: The course also emphasizes the importance of staying calm in emergencies and effectively communicating with emergency services. Participants learn how to relay crucial information quickly and clearly.

6. Hands-On Practice: Practical skills are reinforced through hands-on practice. Participants have the opportunity to apply tourniquets, pack wounds, and use pressure techniques on realistic models, ensuring they leave the course with confidence in their abilities.

Interesting Facts and Statistics about STOP THE BLEED Training Course

• Global Reach: Since its inception in 2015, more than 4 million individuals have now trained in STOP THE BLEED techniques. This widespread adoption highlights the importance and effectiveness of the training in equipping individuals with lifesaving skills.

• Life-saving potential: According to the American College of Surgeons, a significant number of trauma-related deaths could be prevented with prompt bleeding control. Studies suggest that about 20% of people who die from traumatic injuries could have survived with quick and appropriate bleeding control measures.

• Accessibility and Outreach: The course is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their medical background. Over 117,222 instructors have been trained to deliver the Stop the Bleed curriculum, ensuring the training is available in diverse settings, including schools, workplaces, and community centers.

• Bystander Intervention: A study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery found that bystanders trained in bleeding control can make a significant difference in trauma situations. The research showed that bystander intervention before the arrival of emergency medical services (EMS) improves survival rates and reduces complications from severe bleeding.

• Military Influence: The techniques taught in the Stop the Bleed course are derived from battlefield medicine practices used by the military. The success of these techniques in combat scenarios has demonstrated their effectiveness, leading to their adoption in civilian emergency response training.

• Public Health Initiative: The program has garnered support from various public health organizations, including the Department of Homeland Security, the American Heart Association, and the American Red Cross. These endorsements underscore the program's importance as a critical component of national preparedness efforts.

ACLS Academy is an authorized American Heart Association (AHA)- Aligned Training Center with three convenient locations in Massachusetts: Quincy, Bridgewater, and Newton Center. ACLS Academy provides high-quality courses, all taught by instructors practicing in the medical profession, for ACLS, TNCC, BLS, ENPC, NRP, PALS, Bloodborne Pathogen, Heartsaver CPR/AED, First Aid, and Instructor Courses. Please browse our catalog of courses.