09/09/2024
By David Muse Jr

Did you know that uncontrolled blood loss is the number one cause of preventable traumatic death? Learning how to stop or slow bleeding until professional emergency medical services (EMS) arrive can save a life. This week, we’re focusing on how to manage bleeding from injuries and what steps you can take to act quickly in an emergency.

Follow These Key Steps to Stop Bleeding:

  1. Act quickly. Time is critical when dealing with severe bleeding. The faster you act, the better the chances of saving a life.
  2. Evaluate your safety. Before assisting, ensure it is safe for you to remain in the area.
  3. Call for help. In an emergency, instruct someone to call for help immediately by dialing 4-4911 from a university phone, (978) 934-4991, or 9-1-1.
  4. Apply pressure. Direct pressure on a wound is often the most effective way to stop bleeding. If gloves or an improvised barrier are available, use them.


For life-threatening bleeding, follow these additional steps:

  • Pack the wound with clean cloth or gauze.
  • Apply a tourniquet for injuries to arms or legs.

Signs of Life-Threatening Bleeding Include:

  • Bleeding that is brisk and continuous.
  • Loss of blood equaling at least half the volume of a soda can.
  • Spurting blood from the wound.
  • Bleeding in someone who is confused or unconscious.
Using a Tourniquet: Commercial tourniquets are the most effective tool for controlling severe limb bleeding. Follow the instructions provided with the device:
  1. Place the tourniquet 2-3 inches above the wound, avoiding the wound itself.
  2. Pull the strap through the buckle, then secure it.
  3. Twist the windlass (rod) until the bleeding stops, or you can no longer turn it.
  4. Clip the windlass into the housing to secure it in place.
If necessary, apply a second tourniquet above the first. Tourniquets should only be placed on the arms or legs.

For more information on how to stop bleeding and avoid common tourniquet mistakes, watch this helpful video (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkb-Ddb8QFA).

UMass Lowell is proud to be a national Stop the Bleed training center, offering free, hands-on training sessions. These one-hour courses teach you essential life-saving techniques. To request a course, email us at UMass_EMS@uml.edu.

Let’s all take steps during National Preparedness Month (announcement) to be ready for emergencies and learn how to save lives!