STOP THE BLEED® is a national public health campaign initiated by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to empower everyday people to act as immediate responders in life-threatening bleeding emergencies. The program was developed based on lessons learned from military combat care in Iraq and Afghanistan, where rapid bleeding control techniques significantly improved survival rates.

Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death after trauma. A person can die from severe blood loss within minutes—often before emergency medical services arrive. STOP THE BLEED® trains individuals to recognize life-threatening bleeding and respond effectively using techniques such as applying pressure, packing wounds, and using tourniquets.

Since its inception in 2015, the campaign has trained millions worldwide, aiming to reach 200 million people in the U.S. alone . Training is available through Department of Defense-approved courses, including those offered by the American College of Surgeons and the Stop the Bleed Coalition.

To learn more about the program, access training resources, or become a certified instructor, visit the official Department of Defense STOP THE BLEED® website.

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STOP THE BLEED® is a registered trade-mark of the U.S. Department of Defense. All rights reserved. ©DoD

Rescue Essentials is an official STOP THE BLEED® product licensee.