Hello Concealed Coalition community! Austin Davis here, your National Director of Training. This webinar is deeply personal for me because we’re discussing an absolutely essential skill: stopping the bleeding, particularly in the context of gunshot wounds.
As someone who has carried a gun both personally and professionally for 30 years, I believe that if you carry a tool that can cause harm, you must also know how to manage the aftermath.
Why Bleeding Control is Crucial
Carrying a gun means accepting the possibility of using it in self-defense, which unfortunately can result in injuries to yourself or others. Knowing effective bleeding control strategies is not only essential for gun-related injuries but also for everyday accidents such as car crashes, industrial mishaps, and household injuries. Quick and effective bleeding control can genuinely be the difference between life and death.
The Basics: Equipment You Need
Trauma Shears
A good pair of trauma shears is essential for cutting through clothing and other materials to access wounds. Avoid cheap, flimsy ones and invest in quality shears like the X Shears, which are durable and reliable.
Gloves
Non-latex gloves are a must to prevent infection and contamination. Choose lighter-colored gloves that you can easily see blood on, and always have multiple pairs on hand in case you need help from bystanders.
Tourniquets
Tourniquets are critical for severe bleeding control of limb injuries. The CAT (Combat Application Tourniquet) and the SOFT (Special Operations Forces Tourniquet) are highly recommended. Avoid cheap knock-offs and always carry at least two tourniquets.
Wound Packing Materials
Packing materials like plain gauze or hemostatic agents such as QuickClot Combat Gauze are necessary for deep wounds. While hemostatic agents work faster, plain gauze is also effective and more affordable.
Pressure Bandages
Pressure bandages like the OLAES bandage are excellent for maintaining pressure on a wound after packing. They often come with additional features like occlusive materials for chest wounds.
Chest Seals
For injuries to the torso, vented chest seals can help control bleeding on chest wounds by preventing air from entering the chest cavity.
Additional Items
- Space blankets to prevent shock and maintain body heat
- Hand warmers to help generate heat
- A permanent marker for writing down critical information such as tourniquet application time
Bleeding Control with the STOP Acronym
S: Secure the Situation
Ensure the scene is safe before providing treatment. Move the victim to a secure location away from immediate danger.
T: Treat the Bleeding
Use direct pressure, tourniquets, or wound packing for bleeding control. Remember, pressure points can be highly effective if you don’t have immediate access to other tools.
O: Open Airway
Ensure the victim’s airway is open. This may involve placing them in the recovery position or using a chest seal for sucking chest wounds.
P: Prevent Shock
Keep the victim calm and maintain their body temperature. Use space blankets and hand warmers, and provide reassurance to help manage psychological shock.
Practical Application and Training
Stopping the bleeding is a vital skill that can save lives. Equip yourself with the right tools and knowledge, and practice regularly to be prepared for any emergency. Remember, in a crisis, staying calm and following the STOP protocol can make all the difference.
To effectively use these tools and techniques, hands-on training is crucial. Consider attending a Stop the Bleed course, or join Concealed Coalition University to further your education. By practicing with wound packing cubes and tourniquet trainers, you’ll be able to build confidence and muscle memory.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and be a guardian always and a warrior when needed!
