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To learn more or to get involved in the Stop the Bleed Campaign, contact us at stopthebleed@hq.dhs.gov.

Stop the Bleed

Stop the Bleed LogoNo matter how rapid the arrival of professional emergency responders, bystanders will always be first on the scene.  A person who is bleeding can die from blood loss within five minutes, therefore it is important to quickly stop the blood loss.

"Stop the Bleed" is a nationwide campaign to empower individuals to act quickly and save lives.

Remember to be aware of your surroundings and move yourself and the injured person to safety, if necessary.

Call 911

Bystanders can take simple steps to keep the injured person alive until appropriate medical care is available.  Here are three actions you can take to help save a life:

Stop the Bleed
No matter how rapid the arrival of professional emergency responders, bystanders will always be first on the scene. A person who is bleeding can die from blood loss within five minutes, so it's important to quickly stop the blood loss. Remember to be aware of your surroundings and move yourself and the injured person to safety, if necessary. CALL 911. Bystanders can take simple steps to keep the injured alive until appropriate medical care is available. Here are three actions that you can take to help save a life:
1. Apply Pressure with Hands. EXPOSE to find where the bleeding is coming from and apply FIRM, STEADY PRESSURE to the bleeding site with both hands if possible.
1. Apply Dressing and Press. EXPOST to find where the bleeding is coming from and apply FIRM, STEADY PRESSURE to the bleeding site with bandages or clothing.
3. Apply Tourniquet(s). If the bleeding doesn't stop, place a tournequet 2-3 inches closer to the torso from the bleeding. The tourniquet may be applied and secured over clothing. PULL the strap through the buckle, TWIST the rod tightly, CLIP and SECURE the rod with the clasp or the Velcro strap. If the bleeding still doesn't stop, place a second touniquet closer to the torso from the first tourniquet.
The "Stop the Bleed" campaign was initiated by a federal interagency workgroup convened by the National Security Staff, The White House. The purpose of the campaign is to build national resilience by better preparing the public to save lives by raising awareness of basic actions to stop life threatening bleeding following everyday emergencies and man-made and natural disasters. Advances made by military medicine and research in hemorrhage control during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have informed the work of this initiative which exmplifies translation of knowledge back to the homeland to the benefit of the general public. The Department of Defense owns the "Stop the Bleed" logo and phrase - trademark pending
US Department of Homeland Security logo and seal - Office of Health Affairs

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Last Published Date: October 11, 2016

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