If you encounter someone bleeding profusely:

• Call 9-1-1.
• Remain calm and reassure patient that medical assistance is on the way.
• Expose wound by moving or tearing clothing away.
• Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound using gauze or a clean cloth.
• If the pressure does not stop the bleeding, and the dressing becomes soaked with blood, you will need to apply a tourniquet if available.

If a STOP THE BLEED KIT is available:

• Apply a tourniquet if direct pressure does not stop the bleeding.
• Position the tourniquet at least 2-3 inches from the wound and between the wound and the heart. DO NOT apply over a joint, such as elbow, knee, wrist, or ankle.
• Manually turn the tourniquet as much as you can.
• Use a rod, twisting in one direction to further tighten the tourniquet and stop the bleeding.
• Secure the rod to the tourniquet so it will not unwind.
• Note the time that the tourniquet was applied.

Source:

UF Police Department (UFPD)/Gator Emergency Medical Response Unit (GEMRU)

Resources:

Department of Homeland Security – Applying a Tourniquet

Version Date: February 2024