Bleed Kits

Why You Should Consider Investing in Bleed Kits

The sole purpose of bleed kits is to save lives in critical moments when severe bleeding can lead to death. A bleed kit helps control bleeding before a professional can get to the scene; they can be used by anyone, but it does pay to have had training in using them. 

Bleed kits work well alongside defibrillators and are often stored together for ease of use and accessibility. Bleed kits strengthen emergency first aid in public spaces, workplaces, schools and homes. Knowing that bleed kits are accessible to the public gives people peace of mind and can make them feel safer.

Who Uses Bleed Control Kits?

• First responders: Police, fire services, paramedics, and security staff.
• Workplace safety teams: Health and safety officers or trained staff in high-risk industries.
• Community responders: Teachers, venue staff, event organisers, or volunteers.
• Members of the public: Anyone present at the scene of an incident, since the kits are designed for easy use even without medical training.

Bleed kits are beneficial for industries where accidents are more prone and high-risk working environments could mean a higher risk of injuries. These kits, however, are also often positioned in public places where accidents can happen on roads or where violence could lead to fatal injuries. Members of the public can use them as a first response to fatal injuries, but they should call emergency services immediately, and a trained individual may find using the kit more straightforward.

Where Should Bleed Control Kits be Stored?

Bleed control kits should be kept in highly visible, easily accessible locations to allow for rapid response. Placing them next to defibrillators supports consistent emergency planning and raises public awareness. In outdoor or unsupervised areas, kits should be securely mounted to protect them from weather, damage, or tampering.

What is Included in a Bleed Kit?

A standard bleed kit typically contains:

• Large Trauma Dressings: 2
• Haemostatic Dressings: 2
• Tourniquet: 1

Additional Items:

• Nitrile Gloves (2 individual pairs)
• Medical Scissors or Shears
• Foil Blanket
• CPR Face Shield
• Whistle

A haemostatic dressing is designed to quickly stop severe bleeding by promoting rapid blood clotting. It is especially valuable when standard bandages and direct pressure are not enough to control the bleeding.

Important Safety Information:
Do NOT use a haemostatic dressing on open chest wounds, open head wounds, or the eyes.

How To Use Bleed Kits:

Assess the Scene: Make sure the area is safe before approaching the injured person.

Call Emergency Services: Contact medical help immediately to ensure professional care arrives quickly.

Protect Yourself: Put on gloves to reduce the risk of infection.

Apply Direct Pressure: Use the dressings provided in the kits to press firmly on the wound.

Use a Tourniquet if Needed: For severe limb bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure, place a tourniquet above the injury.

Pack Deep Wounds: Insert a haemostatic dressing into the wound and apply firm pressure.

Secure the Dressing: Wrap a pressure bandage to maintain continuous pressure on the wound.

Looking After Your Bleed Kits

Bleed kits do have expiry dates for certain items, and you should ensure that they are replaced when needed so that they can be used with a quick response to emergencies. if the kit is used once, it will need to be replaced. If it is a community bleed kit, these can be replaced immediately. 

Contact SafeAid for More Information on Ordering a Bleed Kit

Ordering a bleed kit is an important task and certain considerations are needed beforehand, such as knowing where it will be located, who might be using it and if they’ll benefit from training and notifying local councils and health and safety of its whereabouts.

Give Safeiad a call today, and we can discuss this with you!