If you don’t already know, a tourniquet is a device used to stop the flow of blood to a particular limb. It is typically used in cases of traumatic injury, such as a gunshot wound, to prevent the patient from excessive blood loss.

Tourniquets are usually made of a strong, adjustable band, and are applied by wrapping the band around the limb above the wound and tightening it (usually with a windlass) until the bleeding stops. The Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T) is a classic example of a windlass tourniquet, and has been the official tourniquet of the U.S. Army since 2005.

The C-A-T is a one-handed military tourniquet with a patented design proven 100% effective by the U.S. Army’s Institute of Surgical Research. Rigorous testing has demonstrated the C-A-T's ability to completely stop blood flow in the event of a traumatic wound with significant hemorrhage. This tourniquet utilizes a durable windlass system with a patented free-moving internal band providing true circumferential pressure to the extremity. Once adequately tightened, bleeding will cease, and the windlass is locked into place. A hook and loop windlass retention strap is then applied, securing the windlass to maintain pressure during casualty evacuation.

The SWAT Tourniquet, however, does not use a windlass. Instead, it employs a "Stretch, Wrap, and Tuck" method. This works as a tourniquet, pressure bandage, and injury stabilizer, making it a highly versatile tool in the field.

Everyone should have a tourniquet in their home, office, and vehicle. Moreover, anyone who may be exposed to traumatic injuries, such as first responders, medical professionals, law enforcement officers, military personnel, and outdoorsmen, should carry a tourniquet. Be sure to train in its proper application and use.

Wound packing gauze is a specialized type of medical gauze used to fill and pack wounds, particularly deep or cavity wounds, to assist in blood clotting and to help protect against infection. A properly packed wound with ample applied pressure should clot an arterial bleed in about 10 minutes.

Hemostatic gauze are an upgrade to regular wound packing gauze, as they contain hemostatic agents such as Kaolin and Chitosan that speed up the body’s natural clotting process. Used in products like QuikClot and ChitoGauze, these products, when applied properly, can stop an arterial bleed in 3 minutes or less.

Celox RAPID gauze packs faster, requires minimal post-application compression, reduces blood loss and provides greater stability in evacuation compared to traditional products. It is proven to stop bleeding independent of the clotting cascade, which is critical to survival in the hypovolemic, hypothermic or anticoagulated patient. These gauze can be rapidly applied to a wound within half the time of competitive devices, and has been proven in vivo testing to stop major arterial bleeding by coagulating blood within 1 minute, reducing additional blood loss. These factors make Celox Rapid a great choice when deciding which hemostatic gauze to use.

After packing a wound, the next step would be the apply a pressure bandage. A pressure bandage is a medical dressing used to control and stop major bleeding, especially in for wounds caused by trauma, such as deep cuts, lacerations, or punctures. It’s typically an absorbent, elastic bandage or cloth that is wrapped tightly around a wound to apply pressure. The goal of the pressure bandage is to compress the bleeding area, helping to control the flow of blood and promote clotting.

The Israeli Emergency Bandage and Emergency Trauma Dressing are the most commonly used pressure bandages. Both allow ease of application with little to no training. The Israeli Emergency Bandage is more dynamic, including a pressure bar to apply additional pressure into the wound to prevent re-bleeding after packing.

There are, however, newer and more innovative pressure bandages on the market today. The Battle Wrap, for example, is a clear, non-slip, tear resistant, tactical compression wrap that allows visualization of bleeding, while providing circumferential pressure to the wound. It is transparent to allow full visualization and rapid reassessment of underlying wounds. Battle Wrap is strong and exceeds the holding power of traditional compression wraps and does not shred or delaminate in the most challenging environments. The medical grade adhesive is self –adhering, non-irritating and leaves no residue on the skin. To sum it up, it's an incredible product for applying pressure to and protecting a major wound.

Overall, the proper use of gauze and pressure bandages are sufficient for most bleed control situations, especially when a tourniquet is ineffective. Don’t overlook these simple yet crucial pieces of life-saving first aid gear.

Chest seals are vital medical devices used to treat open chest wounds, such as gunshot or stab wounds. While not necessarily used to treat bleeding itself, chest seals are a common item in bleeding control kits as they are often necessary to treat wounds associated with massive hemorrhage. Any kind penetrating trauma that would cause major bleeding, like a gun shot wound, impaling, stab wound, laceration, etc., could very well also open up the chest cavity. Chest seals are designed to prevent air from entering the chest cavity, as to help maintain normal breathing and prevent conditions like tension pneumothorax. Pneumothorax is a potentially life-threatening situation where air trapped in the chest compresses the lungs and heart.

Chest seals are adhesive, sterile, and often feature a one-way valve that allows air and blood to escape while preventing anything from entering. Essential for military, law enforcement, and emergency medical personnel, chest seals are a critical component of any trauma or first aid kit, ensuring rapid and effective treatment in the field.

Your individual first aid kit, also known as an IFAK, contains trauma items to stop heavy bleeding. We believe that everyone should keep an IFAK in their vehicle, their homes, and at their place of work as a matter of public safety and personal preparedness. Massive hemorrhage happens unexpectantly, and is a preventable form of fatality. Keeping an IFAK close by enables you to respond in those critical situations.

An IFAK is a personal choice, and contents can vary but we always recommend a tourniquet, pressure bandage and gauze. As we've discussed, these three items can get you far with hemorrhage control.

Luckily, we do have a comprehensive lineup of prebuilt Trauma Kits on our website. The Off Grid Bleeding Control Kit is a great basic bleed control kit. More substantial kits will contain hemostatic gauze, chest seals, and utilize a more functional pouch. Take a look at the Off Grid Bleeder Blowout Trauma Kit for something more advanced.

There are also mass casualty kits that are made to treat multiple victims. These kits are better for emergency response teams and public facilities like schools and offices.

Bleed Control Training

Equally as important to having the right supplies is being trained to use it. Quality training not only familiarizes you with your supplies and how to use it, but it also empowers you to take action in an emergency. When faced with a traumatic injury or emergency, panic can take over, and quick thinking may become difficult. Bleed control training builds confidence in responding to these situations. Knowing the steps to take — like applying direct pressure, using a tourniquet, or packing a wound — can reduce anxiety and improve your ability to act effectively. Proper training ensures that you can quickly and effectively respond to control bleeding before medical professionals arrive, drastically improving the chances of survival. It's more than just having the gear, it's having the skills to use it.

Here, we demonstrate wound packing using a Gunshot in a box simulator.

Pete fulfills many roles at Off Grid Warehouse. He is a Christian, an outdoor enthusiast, hunter, fisherman, trains jiu jitsu, and likes to stay proficient at the gun range.