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, 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:

Compress

Find where the bleeding is coming from and apply firm, steady pressure to the bleeding site with bandages or clothing

Tourniquet

If the bleeding doesn't stop, place a tourniquet 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.

Compress Again

If the bleeding still doesn't stop, place a second tourniquet closer to the torso from the first tourniquet.

Pull the strap through the buckle, twist the rod tightly, clip and secure the rod with the clasp or the Velcro strap.

* One type of tourniquet is depicted in the illustrations.

More Information

You can learn more about how to “Stop the Bleed” and help save a life by accessing these training and resources:

FEMA Video | Watch on YouTube

• Download the steps above as a shareable infographic (229 KB JPG)
• Download a high resolution copy of the "Stop the Bleed" logo (152 KB JPG)
• NAEMT Bleeding Control for the Injured
• Army Combat Casualty Care Research Program

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