STOP THE BLEED® Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers that point to the right page. Hands-on technique is taught in a licensed course, not here.
Program
Who administers the program, and who do we contract with?
STOP THE BLEED® is an official program of the U.S. Department of War. STOP THE BLEED® Program licenses are issued by the Department of War.
What does my state require of schools, workplaces, or public venues?
Requirements vary by state and locality and may cover schools, public buildings, and certain workplaces. Check your state's STOP THE BLEED® bleeding control legislation.
How do we build STOP THE BLEED® into an emergency preparedness or safety plan?
Integrate bleeding control the way facilities handle AEDs and CPR: place accessible kits, train staff, assign upkeep, and document it in your emergency response plan. Put up signs by elevators and other gathering places in the building to tell people where the bleeding control kits can be found.
What outcome data and evidence support the Program?
The program relies on data and evidence stemming from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. Regular soldiers proved that STOP THE BLEED® training works by saving their fellow soldiers' lives on the battlefield.
How does the Program interact with 911 dispatch and PSAP protocols?
STOP THE BLEED® bleeding control instructions delivered by a 911 dispatcher are an emerging practice, modeled on telephone CPR adoption, and are set at the PSAP and protocol level.
Who do we contact for an official letter, briefing, or speaker?
For an official Department of War letter, briefing, or speaker, contact the Department of War program office at support@stopthebleed.ai.
How does STOP THE BLEED® relate to TCCC and TECC?
STOP THE BLEED® translates battlefield bleeding-control lessons (as in TCCC and its civilian counterpart TECC) into simple actions the public can perform before EMS arrives.
How do we integrate STOP THE BLEED® bleeding control instructions into dispatch protocols?
Dispatch-delivered bleeding-control instructions are integrated at the PSAP level through call-taker protocols, similar to how telephone-CPR was adopted.
Is there guidance specifically for PSAPs and 911 telecommunicators?
Formal STOP THE BLEED® guidance specific to PSAPs and telecommunicators is still developing; agencies typically build it into existing emergency medical dispatch protocols.
What are the military origins of the Program?
Service members were taught to control severe bleeding, and in Iraq and Afghanistan they proved the training works. People with no medical background used it to keep their fellow service members alive. They brought that knowledge home, and the program exists to pass it on.
How can veterans and veteran organizations get involved?
Participation is open and free. Veterans and veteran organizations can take the course, become instructors, or license the Program to train their communities.
Does the Program support training in conflict zones or overseas?
Yes. Reflecting its battlefield origins, the Program's materials support use beyond the United States.
Who owns STOP THE BLEED®?
STOP THE BLEED® is an official program of the U.S. Department of War.
Is the program run by the American College of Surgeons, the American Heart Association, or the Stop the Bleed Coalition?
The program is administered by the U.S. Department of War. Each of these organizations operates under a license agreement with the STOP THE BLEED® program. Currently, there are over 3,000 organizations licensed by the program, including these four organizations.
What is the relationship between the Department of War and the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the Stop the Bleed Coalition?
The STOP THE BLEED® program is owned and administered by the U.S. Department of War. The Coalition and ACS are supporting organizations that are licensed by the Department of War to deliver training resources and licensing support to the STOP THE BLEED® program.
What is the difference between dodstopthebleed.org and stopthebleedcoalition.org?
dodstopthebleed.org is the Department of War program's authoritative site (what the program is, why it exists, and who runs it). stopthebleedcoalition.org is the website operated by the Stop the Bleed Coalition.
What is the difference between dodstopthebleed.org and stopthebleed.org?
dodstopthebleed.org is the Department of War program's authoritative site (what the program is, why it exists, and who runs it). stopthebleed.org is the website operated by the American College of Surgeons.
Who is the licensing agent, and what does it do on behalf of the Program?
The Department of War has contracted with Cadence Brand Management to serve as the Program's licensing agent. A licensing agent manages STOP THE BLEED® brand licensing, applications, and compliance on behalf of the Department of War program.
Is dodstopthebleed.org the official website?
Yes. dodstopthebleed.org is the official Department of War STOP THE BLEED® program site.
When did the Program start, and what is its history?
The program grew out of battlefield trauma lessons learned by the Department of War during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and launched as a national public-awareness program in 2015. It has expanded steadily since. For a detailed history of the program, see the About page.
How many people have been trained, and what has the Program achieved?
The Department of War estimates that the program has trained over 10 million people since its launch in 2015.
Does the Program operate outside the United States?
Yes. STOP THE BLEED® licensed courses are offered in 172 countries, including conflict-zone languages such as Ukrainian, Arabic, and Hebrew.
How do I request an interview, an official statement, or permission to use the logo in a story?
For interviews, official statements, or permission to use the logo, contact the Department of War program office at support@stopthebleed.ai.
Who do I contact with a question the FAQ does not answer?
For program, licensing, or brand questions, contact the Department of War program at support@stopthebleed.ai.
Training
How do I find a STOP THE BLEED® class near me?
The Stop the Bleed Coalition and the American College of Surgeons both list STOP THE BLEED® classes on their respective websites.
How long is a class, and what will I learn?
A basic class typically runs about one hour and teaches the three core actions to control life-threatening bleeding: applying direct pressure, packing a wound, and applying a tourniquet.
What does training cost, and are free classes available?
Many classes are offered at no cost to the student. Any classes in which there is a charge, the charge is meant to cover the costs of the class.
Do I need any medical background or prior training to take a course?
No. The course is designed for the general public, and no medical background or prior training is required to attend.
Is there a minimum age to take the training?
There is no formal minimum age. The course is designed for the general public and is commonly taught to middle- and high-school students as well as adults.
Can I take the course online, or does it have to be in person?
The course includes hands-on, in-person skills training. It may be delivered entirely in person or as an online lecture portion paired with in-person hands-on training. You will not receive a course completion certificate if you only complete the online training. However, if you don't have time to attend an in-person class or you cannot find one nearby, we encourage you to take the online course.
What is the Essentials of STOP THE BLEED® course, and is it the official course?
The Essentials of STOP THE BLEED® course was developed by the Stop the Bleed Coalition and approved by the program. It is one of only two approved STOP THE BLEED® courses. The other is the STOP THE BLEED® course offered by the American College of Surgeons.
Does the American College of Surgeons offer a STOP THE BLEED® course?
Yes. The American College of Surgeons course is one of only two courses approved by the Department of War; the other is the Essentials of STOP THE BLEED® offered by the Stop the Bleed Coalition.
Does my training expire, and do I need to refresh it?
There is no formal expiration for the course, but periodic refresher training is recommended to keep skills sharp. Refresher training can be as easy as watching one of the STOP THE BLEED® Program's online videos.
What should I do right now if someone is bleeding severely?
Have someone call 911, then control the bleeding by applying firm direct pressure. If bleeding continues, pack the wound with gauze, cloth or clothing if it is deep. If there is still bleeding and you have a tourniquet, apply it 2-3 inches above the wound and keep tightening it until the bleeding stops.
How do I use the items in a STOP THE BLEED® kit?
All STOP THE BLEED® branded kits contain a tourniquet, hemostatic or plain gauze for wound packing, and a pressure bandage. If pressure alone won't stop the bleeding, pack the wound with gauze, cloth or clothing and wrap the wound. If the bleeding is from an arm or leg and it continues, apply the tourniquet 2 to 3 inches above the wound and tighten the tourniquet until the bleeding stops. Warn the person you are treating that applying the tourniquet will hurt.
Am I legally protected if I step in to help during an emergency?
Good Samaritan laws in every U.S. state generally protect people who voluntarily provide reasonable emergency aid in good faith. Specific protections vary by state. It is recommended that you make yourself familiar with the laws in your state.
Does my state require schools or workplaces to provide this training?
Requirements vary by state. A growing number of states have enacted STOP THE BLEED® laws affecting schools and public buildings. Check the program's legislation resources for your state.
What are the eligibility requirements to become a licensed instructor?
The Program's baseline: applicants complete an approved course and meet the qualifications on the application. Emergency medical training (EMR, EMT, paramedic, RN, PA, physician) and bleeding-control experience are strongly preferred but not required.
Can non-healthcare professionals become instructors?
Yes. The Program allows both healthcare and non-healthcare professionals who complete an approved course to become instructors. For more information, see the Licensing page.
May I charge students for a class?
Classes should be offered at minimal or no cost. If a fee is charged, it may only cover the costs the organization incurs to offer the course.
How many students can one instructor teach in a single class?
For a one-hour class, no more than 8 to 10 students per instructor is recommended so each person's hands-on skills can be checked. This can increase for longer classes.
How do students start a club at a high school or college?
The program supports STOP THE BLEED® student clubs as a way to spread awareness and training on campus. To apply for a club license, visit stopthebleedcoalition.org (opens in a new tab).
What equipment am I required to train on?
Training uses tourniquets, wound-packing materials (hemostatic or plain gauze and a wound simulator), and pressure dressings so students can practice each core skill hands-on.
Does the training carry continuing education credit?
The basic public course is not offered for continuing education credit by the Program itself.
I served as a medic or corpsman. Can I teach in my community?
Yes. Prior medical or EMS experience is well suited to instructing; the Program requires completion of the approved course and an instructor license.
Equipment
Where can I buy an official STOP THE BLEED® kit?
The Department of War program does not sell equipment directly. Visit the Equipment page on this site to learn about STOP THE BLEED® kits and to see the list of licensed sellers.
How do I confirm that a vendor or product is actually licensed?
The Department of War program owns the brand and controls licensing. This site explains what an authorized product looks like and how the equipment licensing program works.
What should a compliant STOP THE BLEED® kit contain?
A compliant kit generally includes a tourniquet, hemostatic or compressed gauze, a pressure/trauma dressing, gloves, trauma shears, and a marker, packaged for rapid use.
What is the difference between a personal kit and a public-access station?
A personal kit holds supplies to treat one injury and is meant for an individual, vehicle, or home. A public access station is a wall-mounted, clearly marked unit with supplies to treat one or more victims in a public space.
How many kits does my school, business, or facility need, and where should they be placed?
As a rule of thumb, place kits so one is reachable within about a minute of any location, similar to AED placement. The right number depends on building size, occupancy, and layout.
Do kit contents expire, and how do I inspect and restock them?
Hemostatic dressings accepted by the program carry expiration dates. Over time, the effectiveness of the hemostatic agent will decrease, but it can still be used like ordinary gauze to pack a wound.
Does the Program sell kits directly?
No. The Department of War program does not sell equipment directly. Only companies licensed by the program are permitted to sell STOP THE BLEED® kits. See the Equipment page for a list of these companies.
Does the Program approve or endorse specific products?
The Program licenses use of the brand on products that meet its high standards for functionality and efficacy. The Department of War does not endorse or recommend any particular manufacturer.
How is training equipment different from a bleeding control kit, and where do I buy it?
This site explains the difference: training equipment (trainers and practice supplies) is used to teach classes, while bleeding control kits hold supplies for real emergencies. Both are obtained through licensed channels.
What does my state require for kit placement?
Kit placement requirements vary by state and, in some cases, by local building or school codes. Check your state's STOP THE BLEED® bleeding control legislation and local requirements.
Licensing
What license do I need in order to teach STOP THE BLEED®?
Authority to teach comes through a license recognized by the Department of War: an individual Instructor License, or an organization's Educational License covering the people who teach under it.
Is there a fee to become an instructor, and how long is the license valid?
Under current Program policy there is no cost to become a STOP THE BLEED® instructor, and the license is valid for three years.
Can a for-profit trainer or company hold a license?
For-profit companies can be licensed to teach STOP THE BLEED® courses if they agree to offer the course at no cost, or for a nominal cost that is designed to only cover the costs related to providing the instruction. This would normally be limited to covering the costs of securing the classroom and supplies.
What is the difference between the Instructor, Educational, and Equipment licenses?
An Instructor License is for individuals qualified to teach STOP THE BLEED® classes. An Educational License is for organizations that offer STOP THE BLEED® training to the public or to their own people. An Equipment License is for companies that sell STOP THE BLEED® kits and equipment, and for the manufacturers of the tourniquets and hemostatic dressings the program has accepted. The brand standards are the same for all three.
My organization wants to train its own employees. Which license applies?
An Educational License applies. It is the Program's license for organizations that provide training to their own personnel and/or the public.
If my organization holds an Educational License, do our teachers each need an Instructor License?
No. Individuals teaching under an organization's Educational License are not required to hold an Instructor License, though the instructor program's resources are designed to make their work easier.
How do I renew my license, and what happens if I have not taught any classes?
Instructor licenses run three years. Program policy is that a license generally will not be renewed if no classes were taught during the period, absent special circumstances.
When are quarterly reports due, and what do they cover?
Licensees report their training activity on a quarterly basis as a condition of the license.
Where do I find the current Style Guide and Brand Standards?
The Style Guide and Brand Standards are the Program's authoritative brand rules, maintained under Department of War authority. These are posted on the Standards page of dodstopthebleed.org.
How may I use the STOP THE BLEED® mark, and what uses are not permitted?
Use of the mark must follow the current Style Guide, and material changes (such as custom certificates or altered course content) require written approval from the Department of War. Uses outside the Style Guide are not permitted.
How do I report counterfeit products or unlicensed use of the brand?
Report suspected counterfeit products or unlicensed use of the brand through the contact form at dodstopthebleed.org or by emailing the Department of War at stopthebleed@stripes.osd.mil.
What happens if a license lapses or is found out of compliance?
A license that lapses or falls out of compliance may not be renewed and can be suspended or revoked; the licensee is typically notified and given a chance to correct the issue.
Who do I contact about my license, my account, or a brand question?
Licensing policy and brand questions go to the Department of War program at stopthebleed@stripes.osd.mil.
Can a government agency hold a license?
Yes. The program's Educational License is open to government agencies, as well as to corporations and non-profit organizations.
Can my department or agency become a licensed training organization?
Yes. Government departments and agencies can hold an Educational License to train their personnel and the public.
How can EMS, fire, and law enforcement use the brand in community outreach?
Public agencies may use the brand in community outreach under an appropriate license and in line with the Program's Style Guide.