Arterial bleeding can cause death within minutes. Carrying and knowing how to use immediate trauma medical supplies is the most useful physical capability you can possess.
The Bleeding Control Protocol
1. Direct Pressure
Apply firm, continuous manual pressure directly to the wound using clean gauze or cloth.
2. Windlass Tourniquets
For severe limb bleeding, apply a tourniquet (like the CAT or SOF) 2-3 inches above the wound. Tighten the windlass until the bleeding stops and secure it.
3. Wound Packing
For junctional areas (groin, armpits) where tourniquets cannot be applied, pack the wound tightly with hemostatic gauze and apply direct pressure.
"A tourniquet is not a last resort; it is the immediate response to life-threatening extremity bleeding."
For further first aid preparation, check out Mass Casualty Basics.
