What is Stop the Bleed?

Stop the Bleed is a national campaign that trains everyday bystanders to recognize and respond to life-threatening bleeding using direct pressure, wound packing, and tourniquets. It applies to bleeding from any cause, including car crashes, falls, and workplace injuries, not just a single type of event.

How quickly can severe bleeding become life-threatening?

Someone with uncontrolled severe bleeding can die within about 5 minutes, while the average time for professional help to arrive is 7 to 10 minutes. That gap is exactly why bystander bleeding control training matters.

What are the ABCs of bleeding control?

A is for Alert, calling 911 first. B is for Bleeding, finding the source. C is for Compress, applying firm, direct pressure with both hands, packing the wound if needed, or using a tourniquet on an arm or leg if direct pressure isn't enough.

Where can I get first aid, CPR, or Stop the Bleed training?

The American Red Cross and local CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) programs both offer these courses locally, often at low or no cost. A CPR and AED course paired with a Stop the Bleed course covers the two highest-return skills most households can learn.

Is it normal to feel shaken after witnessing or being near a traumatic event?

Yes. A traumatic event can be stressful even for people who were not directly injured. Giving yourself and your household time to process it, and talking with someone you trust or a counselor if you'd find that helpful, is a reasonable and healthy next step.

Mass-Casualty Response Checklist — Before, During & After

Phase 1

Before an incident. The nearest person is usually the first responder.

Bystanders reach an injured person before professional help almost every time. Bleeding control training and a household plan are useful for any serious injury, whether it happens at home, on the road, or somewhere else entirely.

Medical

Get a bleeding control kit and basic training. It can stop life-threatening bleeding in the minutes before help arrives
Get a complete first aid kit and check expiration dates yearly

Skills

Complete a first aid and CPR/AED certification, paired with a Stop the Bleed course, available through the Red Cross and local CERT programs

Communications

Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on every phone in your household
Write your household communication plan: where to meet if phones don't work, who to call first, and your backup plan

Evacuation

Identify your household meeting point and one out-of-area contact
Pack a 72-hour bag for each person in your household: medication, a change of clothes, document copies, water, and a phone charger

Phase 2

During an incident. Safety first, then help if you can.

Get yourself to safety before helping others. Once you're safe, trained bystanders make the difference in the minutes before professional responders arrive.

If You're in an Unsafe Area

Move to safety, following instructions from officials or first responders
Once you're safe, use your household communication plan to check in
Follow official guidance on when it's safe to move again

If Someone Is Injured

Call 911 first, then find the source of bleeding
Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or your hands
If bleeding doesn't stop and it's a limb wound, use a tourniquet, following your training, and stay with the person until help arrives

Phase 3

After an incident. Check in, get checked out, and take your time.

Confirming everyone's safety and taking care of your own wellbeing matter as much as the immediate response did.

Checking In

Confirm everyone in your household is accounted for and safe, using your communication plan
Seek medical care for yourself or anyone injured, even for injuries that seem minor at first
Check on neighbors and others nearby who may need help

Taking Care of Yourself

A traumatic event can be stressful, even for people who weren't directly involved. Give yourself and your household time to process it
Talking with someone you trust, or a counselor if you'd find that helpful, is a reasonable next step
Restock any first aid or bleeding control supplies you used

Gear

Still need to get equipped? Start here.

A bleeding control kit and a first aid kit do most of the work here. These are the items worth having ready.

Browse all gear reviews →

My Readiness

Save this checklist to your dashboard

Free account. Access your saved checklists from any device. No spam.

Personalize

Get a checklist built for your household

Answer 21 questions about your home, location, and situation. We'll tailor this checklist and every other one to match.

Take the Assessment

Keep Going

Browse all checklists

Mass-Casualty Response Checklist. Before, during, and after.