The Importance of Having a Bleeding Control Kit with Your AED

Author: Marcy Burnham, RN

In an emergency, every second counts. Whether it’s a sudden cardiac arrest or a severe bleeding injury, having the right life-saving equipment readily available can make all the difference. Most public places, businesses, and institutions have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to provide immediate assistance in cardiac emergencies. However, there’s another critical component that should always be placed alongside an AED—a bleeding control kit.

Why a Bleeding Control Kit is Essential

1. Uncontrolled Bleeding is a Leading Cause of Preventable Death

Severe bleeding can cause death within minutes if not controlled properly. According to the Stop the Bleed initiative, a person can die from blood loss in as little as five minutes. Immediate intervention with a bleeding control kit can significantly improve survival chances, just as an AED does for sudden cardiac arrest.

2. Emergencies Are Unpredictable

Medical emergencies don’t always come in isolation. Accidents such as workplace injuries, motor vehicle collisions, active shooter situations, or even natural disasters can cause life-threatening bleeding. Having a bleeding control kit available ensures that responders can act immediately to stop the bleeding before professional medical help arrives.

3. Bridging the Gap Until First Responders Arrive

The average response time for emergency medical services (EMS) varies but can often exceed 5-10 minutes, especially in rural areas. In cases of severe hemorrhaging, a bleeding control kit provides the necessary tools to stabilize a victim, increasing their chances of survival while waiting for paramedics.

4. Complements AED Placement

AEDs are strategically placed in high-traffic areas such as schools, airports, shopping centers, and workplaces. Pairing them with bleeding control kits ensures a more comprehensive emergency response system. Just as AEDs empower bystanders to act quickly in cardiac emergencies, a bleeding control kit allows non-medical personnel to intervene in bleeding emergencies effectively.

A well-equipped bleeding control kit should contain:

• Tourniquets – To stop severe bleeding from limb injuries
• Hemostatic Dressings – To promote clotting and control heavy bleeding
• Compression Bandages – To apply direct pressure to wounds
• Trauma Shears – To cut clothing and access wounds
• Gloves – To protect the responder and prevent contamination
• Instructional Guide – To provide step-by-step guidance for untrained individuals

The addition of a bleeding control kit alongside an AED is a simple yet powerful step in improving emergency preparedness. Cardiac arrest and severe bleeding are both time-sensitive emergencies where early intervention can mean the difference between life and death. By ensuring that both AEDs and bleeding control kits are available in public spaces and workplaces, we can create safer environments and empower everyday people to save lives.

Take action today—check if your AED locations are equipped with a bleeding control kit, and advocate for their inclusion if they are not. Because when an emergency happens, being prepared is the best way to make a difference.