Stop the Bleed Training Kits are vital learning tools. They help anyone learn to handle serious bleeding emergencies. Stop the Bleed training course and kit is a global initiative aimed at preventing uncontrolled severe bleeding. The training kits contain practical tools and clear instructions. No medical background is needed. With these kits, anyone can provide life-saving help in critical situations. Below are the listed Stop the Bleed kits:
CAT Tourniquet
The Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T) is a device designed to control life-threatening bleeding from extremity injuries. It has become a critical tool for civilian first responders and medical professionals as well, while it was originally developed for battlefield use.
The CAT consists of:
- a band
- a windlass (a rod used for tightening the band)
- a windlass clip to hold the rod in place after tightening and
- a windlass strap to secure the windlass after the tourniquet is applied
The design allows it to be easily and quickly applied with one hand, making it an essential piece of equipment for situations where immediate response is needed to prevent severe blood loss.
Permanent Marker
A permanent marker is included in Stop the Bleed training kits to mark the time when a tourniquet is applied. This is important information for medical professionals who will later provide treatment.
A tourniquet should only be used for a certain amount of time, not exceeding two hours. Leaving it on too long can cause tissue damage. So, recording the time of application helps ensure that the tourniquet is removed within a safe time frame.
Emergency Trauma Dressing
Emergency Trauma Dressing, often abbreviated as ETD, is used to apply pressure on wounds to stop bleeding. The emergency trauma dressing offers more stability and pressure than a standard bandage.
The ETDs come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different types of wounds. It is used to cover wounds, to wrap around an extremity like a pressure dressing, or even as a makeshift tourniquet in certain situations.
Compress Gauze
The Compress Gauze is typically made of cotton and is a highly absorbent material that soaks blood and promotes clotting to stop bleeding. In a bleeding emergency, the compressed gauze can be unpacked to pack a wound. The pressure exerted by the tightly packed gauze helps control and stop the bleeding. It can also be combined with a tourniquet or pressure bandage to enhance bleeding control further.
Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile Gloves are included in the Stop The Bleed kits to protect the rescuer from bloodborne pathogens or other potentially infectious materials in the victim’s blood or bodily fluids. Other reasons nitrile gloves are used are their durability and resistance to punctures and chemicals than latex gloves. Another major advantage of nitrile gloves is that they are hypoallergenic and less likely to cause an allergy.
Trauma Shears
Trauma shears, also known as trauma scissors or medical scissors designed to safely cut through clothes, belts, and other obstructions to expose wounds for treatment. The tool is designed for first responders and medical personnel.
The trauma shear is used to easily cut through and remove clothes to allow rescuers to assess and treat injuries. However, it can cut through thin metals like coins, denim, leather, and even thin pieces of a car in the case of extraction.
Emergency Blanket
The emergency blanket, also known as ‘space blanket’ is included in the Stop The Bleed training kits for a couple of reasons:
- Prevention of Hypothermia: Major blood loss can lead to shock, which may cause a decrease in body temperature, also known as hypothermia. Emergency blankets are designed to retain up to 90% of an individual’s body heat, helping to prevent hypothermia.
- Shock Management: Emergency blankets can also help manage shock by keeping the individual warm and comfortable, which is a crucial part of first aid.
These blankets are light, compact and made up of thin heat-reflective plastic sheeting. The blanket is particularly useful in trauma situations where bleeding is included.
