Stop the Bleed: A Skill That Can Save a Life in Rural Vermont

Severe bleeding can become deadly in just minutes. In rural areas, help may take longer to arrive. Learning how to stop heavy bleeding can save a life before emergency crews get there.

When someone loses a lot of blood, every minute matters. In many rural communities, emergency medical services must travel long distances. Weather, mountain roads, and limited ambulance coverage can also slow response times. That means the people nearby—neighbors, family, coworkers, or even strangers—may be the first and most important helpers.

The good news is that anyone can learn the basics of bleeding control. The national “Stop the Bleed” program teaches simple steps that can keep a person alive until professional help arrives.

The first step is learning how to recognize dangerous bleeding. Severe bleeding may include:

• Blood that is pooling on the ground
• Blood that is soaking through clothing or bandages
• Bleeding that will not stop after several minutes of pressure
• Blood spurting from a wound

If you see these signs, quick action is important.

The next step is knowing what to do. These three actions can help stop life-threatening bleeding:

1. Apply firm pressure. Use your hands, a clean cloth, or a bandage. Press hard on the wound. Keep steady pressure for several minutes.
2. Pack the wound. If the wound is deep, pack it with cloth or gauze. Then press firmly on top.
3. Use a tourniquet. A tourniquet (turn-uh-kit) is a tight band placed around an arm or leg above the wound. It slows blood flow to help stop severe bleeding.

These steps are simple, but practice helps people feel confident using them in an emergency. That is why community training matters.

Stop the Bleed classes give hands-on practice with these life-saving skills. During the class, you will learn how to recognize dangerous bleeding, use proper pressure, pack wounds, and place a tourniquet correctly. Most classes take less than two hours, but the skills you learn can last a lifetime.

Stop the Bleed Class

Free classes offered on May 22 at Rutland Regional. Classes at 8am, 12noon & 2pm. 

Stop the Bleed Registration

Rutland Regional Medical Center will host several Stop the Bleed classes on May 22. These classes are open to the public and designed for everyday people. You do not need medical training to attend.

Learning these skills can make our community safer. In a rural area, the person who saves a life may be the one standing nearby.

Take one hour to learn how to act in an emergency. One day, your knowledge could help save a friend, a neighbor, or even a member of your family.

By Sheena Fisher, MSN, RN, CEN, Senior Director, Emergency Services.