Looking to improve your onslope safety training as we wait for winter get underway? Take a minute to watch this video and begin to understand the lifesaving benefits of knowing how to properly apply a tourniquet in an emergency situation. Warning, if you are squeamish about blood you might not want to take a deep breath before hearing this story of a super sharp ski slicing a high school racer’s leg to the point where he could have bled out and died within minutes. Thankfully for Jonathan Davis, the ski patrol personnel who responded to his accident had recently taken a Stop the Bleed course and were able to quickly intervene and save his life.
The ability to recognize life-threatening bleeding in someone who is injured and effectively assist that person can save a life. Studies have shown that the help given by an immediate responder can often make the difference between life and death, even before medical professionals arrive. The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma is leading the effort to save lives by teaching individuals how to provide vital initial response to stop uncontrolled bleeding in emergency situations. The Bleeding Control Basics course gives participants the necessary tools to become an empowered initial responder.
Launched in October of 2015 by the White House, Stop the Bleed® is a national awareness campaign and a call to action. Stop the Bleed is intended to cultivate grassroots efforts that encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency…becoming the beginning of the trauma care chain of survival.
DURING STOP THE BLEED TRAINING, YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO:
- Determine if an area is safe for you to proceed toward a victim to provide assistance
- Identify any nearby tools to assist you such as a publicly placed bleeding control kit or everyday items that can be used to control bleeding.
- Use your hands to apply direct pressure at the site of the wound to stop bleeding
- Pack a deep wound with cloth or gauze to control bleeding
- Correctly apply a tourniquet to an injured limb to stop bleeding
- Keep the victim calm until help arrives
Find a Course
To date, the American College of Surgeons has estimated that it has helped train more than 600,000 people in bleeding control training. Training sites have included firehouses, community centers, hospitals, and schools. Our courses have taught elementary school children through senior citizens. Find a bleeding control class near you.
 Find a course
Ask for a Course
If you do not see a bleeding control course listed in your area, reach out to your local Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services agency, or the community outreach department at your local hospital. These medical professionals will be able to assist you in finding a course. Keep in mind that Bleeding Control courses are continually added to the website and you should continue to check the site for local courses.