More than 5 million people around the globe now have the skills to control life-threatening bleeding, . The milestone, announced on July 7, marks a major expansion in public preparedness since the launch of the Stop the Bleed initiative nearly a decade ago.
Since 2016, the Stop the Bleed program has focused on turning bystanders into immediate responders 鈥� teaching participants how to act quickly in the crucial minutes after a traumatic injury, whether caused by a shooting, car crash or natural disaster.
鈥淩eaching 5 million people trained is a testament to the power of teaching communities these critical lifesaving skills,鈥� said Dr. Patricia L. Turner, executive director and CEO of the ACS. 鈥淥ur mission doesn鈥檛 stop at 5 million. We will continue our efforts until bleeding control training is as ubiquitous as CPR.鈥�
The program now boasts participants from all 50 states and at least 141 countries, supported by more than 180,000 instructors.
Courses, which last about 90 minutes, teach people to apply direct pressure, pack wounds and use tourniquets 鈥� techniques credited with saving lives in mass casualty incidents and everyday emergencies alike.
Training goes global 鈥� and virtual
As violence, accidents and disasters continue to put bystanders in lifesaving roles, the Stop the Bleed program has expanded beyond classrooms and community centers. Recent partnerships and legislative wins have brought bleeding control kits and training to schools, airports and other public spaces.
The program鈥檚 leaders credit collaborations with organizations such as America鈥檚 Blood Centers, as well as an expanded menu of virtual and interactive courses, for increasing access.
鈥淔rom Chicago to Ukraine and communities around the world, we鈥檝e seen how these skills save lives 鈥� whether in mass casualty events or everyday accidents,鈥� said Dr. Kenji Inaba, chair of the ACS Stop the Bleed Committee.
More people, more prepared
Experts say the goal is to make bleeding control as common as CPR, and as necessary. Death from severe bleeding can occur in minutes, often before EMS arrives. The Stop the Bleed program aims to close that gap.
In recent years, more states have passed legislation requiring bleeding control kits in public buildings, with advocates pushing for nationwide adoption. At the same time, the number of certified instructors 鈥� ranging from EMS professionals to teachers and community leaders 鈥� continues to grow.
For more information about the Stop the Bleed program, including how to find a course or become an instructor, visit .
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for reading and supporting our efforts. Learn more
