Must-Have Items for Severe Bleeding Control

Preparation can mean the difference between a swift recovery and a devastating outcome in the face of a medical emergency. Coping with severe bleeding is one of the most critical scenarios. Equipping yourself with the right tools is essential if you ever find yourself in a situation where immediate first aid can save lives. We’ve compiled a list of must-have items for severe bleeding control to ensure you’re ready for this worst-case scenario.

Tourniquets: Staunching the Flow

First on the list are tourniquets—the definitive tool for staunching severe, life-threatening bleeding from a limb. Tourniquets can stop bleeding quickly when applied correctly and at the right time, preventing excessive blood loss.

Look for a tourniquet that you can operate with one hand since you might have to apply it yourself. They should be durable and adjustable, capable of surviving the rigors of field use, and adaptable to limbs of varying sizes.

Hemostatic Agents: Nature’s Clotting Hero

Hemostatic agents are substances that promote the body’s natural clotting processes, accelerating the cessation of blood flow. Commonly in the form of powders or dressings, they’re effective and safe when you use them properly.

Keep in mind that these agents typically work best on larger wounds where standard pressure is less effective and may not be suitable for superficial cuts. Make sure you apply them judiciously when needed, with prior peeling and cleaning of the wound for best results.

Pressure Dressings: The Silent Hero

Pressure dressings are an all-in-one solution to maintain direct pressure over a wound, providing a sterile environment with minimal readjustment. These are critical for on-the-spot control of severe bleeding by applying and maintaining uniform pressure.

Plus, they’re often easier to use than building up layer upon layer of gauze. That’s because a good pressure dressing has an absorbent pad, an elastic bandage, and a mechanism to maintain tension without constant adjustment. It’s an ally you want in any emergency kit.

Trauma Shears: Clearing the Way

Trauma shears are invaluable when time is of the essence and clothing is in the way of accessing and treating a wound. These specialized scissors are essential in any emergency where clothing material might be obscuring a clear view for effective treatment as they can cut through even the toughest materials.

Gloves: Your First Line of Defense

Last but certainly not least, a pair of non-latex gloves may not directly staunch bleeding, but they are your first line of defense against infection. Reducing the risk of infection is crucial in any situation that involves blood. Gloves give you the ability to jump into action without worrying about this issue as much, especially in situations where bloodborne pathogens are a risk. Always keep several pairs in your emergency kit and ensure they’re high-quality and durable to withstand the conditions in which you might need them.

How To Prepare

Since these must-have items for severe bleeding control aren’t something you can pick up at your local pharmacy in a pinch, it’s essential to prepare yourself right now. Fortunately, Refuge Medical has IFAK medical kits available online that have these items and more to help you in a wide variety of emergency scenarios. Get yours today!