When Seconds Count: Bleed Control and Wound Care Safety

It’s a scenario you may not want to think about, but are you and your employees prepared to provide first aid to someone who is severely bleeding? The American College of Surgeons (ACS) estimates that someone can bleed to death in as little as five minutes. Preparation and training can go a long way in equipping your employees to help save a life during an emergency.

“It doesn’t take a health professional to save the life of someone bleeding heavily from a gunshot wound or other traumatic injury. Any bystander can undertake a series of crucial first steps until an expert reaches the scene,” explains The Philadelphia Inquirer.

In recent years, the ACS has recognized the need to inform and empower the public on how to help in an emergency — be it a natural disaster, a workplace injury or a mass casualty. Their “Stop the Bleed” campaign has taught 2.5 million individuals how to stop severe bleeding. 

“Uncontrolled bleeding is the number one cause of preventable death after injury in the world. Stop the Bleed is a quick and effective training program that can make a life-or-death difference when someone is severely bleeding. By using direct pressure, packing a wound or applying a tourniquet, anyone can be ready to act when a bleeding emergency occurs,” ACS says.

Stop the Bleed teaches participants four quick actions they can take to help control bleeding – and help save a life.

1. Call 9-1-1.
2. Apply pressure to the wound with your hands.
3. Pack wound with clean dressing and press.
4. Apply a tourniquet to stop bleeding.

ACS offers interactive training in person or online. You can learn more about the options right for your team, but let’s start with a look at items to have on hand to help someone who is severely bleeding. 

Equip Your Employees
Your employees need to know how to respond in an emergency bleed situation and they also need the right tools on hand. Many basic first aid kits aren’t equipped to stop or control severe bleeding. 

A bleeding control kit includes specific products that can help your employees safely help someone experiencing severe bleeding, including:

• Tourniquet. One of the most important items in the kit, this helps stop severe bleeding in arms and legs when applied correctly.
• Compression bandages. Clean, sterile bandages are needed to pack the wound and apply pressure, in order to help stop the bleeding.
• Gloves. Sterile nitrile gloves protect the injured individual and responder from infection. 
• Hemostatic pad. A hemostatic pad is a specialized gauze pad to help blood clot at the wound.
• Roller gauze. Gauze helps hold dressings in place to stop bleeding.
• Trauma shears. These shears are specially designed to quickly and safely cut through fabric and bandages — without causing additional injuries.
• Permanent marker. Write vital details about the injury on the individual to communicate important information to first responders — including name and time tourniquet was applied.
• Instruction card. Quick, clear instructions are important to help remind bystanders how they can help in a bleeding emergency.

Intermediate or advanced bleed control kits, such as the Cintas Premium Bleeding Control Kit, include all of the above items, plus:

• Chest wound seal. A specialized bandage for wounds on the chest or back helps stop bleeding and prevents against infection.
• Wall bracket. Safely install the Bleed Control Kit on the wall for easy access.     
• Emergency blanket. Helps keep the injured warm and from going into shock after stopping bleeding.

Depending on your employees’ needs, you may also want to consider including additional items to your kits:

• Bloodstopper wrap. This quick stick, water resistant bandage doesn’t require clips or fasteners.
• WoundSeal^TM. Topical powder instantly stops minor wounds from bleeding.

Learn more about how you can keep your employees prepared to respond to emergency bleeding situations. Contact Cintas First Aid & Safety today.