It’s May 1st, which means STOP THE BLEED® Month is officially here, and it’s bringing the spotlight onto a vital skill that can truly make a difference between life and death. Whether you’re a seasoned medical professional, a concerned citizen, or someone who just wants to make a positive impact, this month is all about empowering you to take action and save lives.
Imagine this: You’re walking down the street, enjoying the hustle and bustle of everyday life, when suddenly, you hear a cry for help. Your heart races as you rush to the scene, only to find someone in desperate need of assistance. In that moment, every second counts, and your ability to act swiftly and effectively can mean the difference between tragedy and triumph.
That’s where STOP THE BLEED® comes in. The U.S. Department of Defense STOP THE BLEED® Program is an initiative that began in the United States and has expanded to over 140 countries. It aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to intervene in bleeding emergencies before professional help arrives. From mass shootings and car accidents to everyday accidents at home or in the workplace, the ability to control bleeding can truly be a lifesaver in any situation.
But STOP THE BLEED® isn’t just about teaching people how to apply a tourniquet or pack a wound. It’s about fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience within our communities. It’s about empowering everyday heroes like you to step up and make a difference when it matters most.
So, what can you do to get involved this STOP THE BLEED® Month? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Attend a Training Session: Check out local training events in your area and sign up to learn valuable bleeding control techniques from certified instructors. These hands-on sessions will give you the skills and confidence you need to spring into action during an emergency.
- Become a licensed STOP THE BLEED® Instructor. Help your community or organization by gaining the skills and knowledge needed to teach others how to save lives, multiplying the impact of this critical initiative. You can apply to become an instructor here.
- Apply for a STOP THE BLEED® Scholarship: If you are a U.S. High School student, you can apply for our National Scholarship or our Instructor Impact Scholarship and win a monetary award alongside free STOP THE BLEED® kits for your School
- Apply for a STOP THE BLEED® Grant: Are you a school, a government agency, non-profit, or civic organization? Don’t let budget worries prevent your STOP THE BLEED® training! The STOP THE BLEED® Grant Program, now in its 5th year, has awarded STOP THE BLEED® equipment grants to organizations across the United States. To be eligible to apply, your organization must have an Educational License.
- Spread the Word: Share information about Stop the Bleed with your friends, family, and colleagues. The more people who are aware of this life-saving initiative, the greater impact we can make together. You can also apply to become an official STOP THE BLEED® Ambassador and you’ll be given tools and information that can help you share our campaign!
- Get Ready to #RaiseYourHand: help create more awareness of STOP THE BLEED® by taking a picture with one of our Raise Your Hand posters and sharing the photo on social media using #raiseyourhand and tagging @stopthebleedproject. In the caption, tell us why YOU decided to #raiseyourhand to STOP THE BLEED®.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Stock up on essential first aid supplies, including tourniquets, pressure dressings, and hemostatic agents. Keep a kit in your car, at home, and at work so you’re always ready to respond to a bleeding emergency.
- Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date on the campaign by following STOP THE BLEED® on social media.
Together, we can make STOP THE BLEED® Month more than just a campaign—it can be a catalyst for real change in our communities. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, sharpen our skills, and show the world what it means to be a true hero. Because when it comes to saving lives, every one of us has the power to make a difference. Let’s make this STOP THE BLEED® Month one to remember!
