Stop the Bleed Turns Bystanders into Lifesavers

Philanthropy makes life-saving training and kits accessible to everyone.

Uncontrolled bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death by injury, responsible for up to 40% of trauma-related fatalities worldwide. Immediate action is critical at an accident scene—individuals experiencing uncontrolled bleeding face the risk of dying within a mere five minutes if medical intervention is delayed. These facts underscore why everyone should know basic bleeding control techniques, as bystanders are often the first on the scene.

Thanks to the invaluable support of R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center partners and donors, Shock Trauma staff can offer the community free Stop the Bleed life-saving training and a basic kit. During the monthly Stop the Bleed training sessions, participants gain the tools and hands-on skills to effectively use dressings, tourniquets, or their bare hands to save lives in critical situations. The kit includes crucial components such as the tourniquet and hemostatic dressing—the same technology recommended by the U.S. military to control bleeding.

Justin Graves, MS, MBA, RN, the director of Trauma Programs at Shock Trauma, emphasized the importance of providing Stop the Bleed training to the public at no cost. “Our goal is to ensure that as many Marylanders as possible receive this training, giving them the knowledge and confidence to take action and potentially save lives. Providing kits with the training would not be possible without generous philanthropic support.” In May, Shock Trauma, in collaboration with the Maryland Committee on Trauma and supported by philanthropists, successfully trained and equipped 225 Maryland residents at a dedicated Stop the Bleed event.

The comprehensive, hour-long training covers a range of life-threatening bleeding situations and empowers individuals to act when it matters most. Carly Pick, the Center for Injury Prevention manager at Shock Trauma, said, “Being prepared is the key to saving lives. It allows individuals to handle unexpected situations effectively, reduce stress, and increase their ability to make a difference.”

Stop the Bleed training is just one of many community health initiatives offered by the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) and supported by philanthropy. In partnership with the community, the medical center provides health services to underserved populations, health education and screenings, financial and in-kind donations, support groups, charitable care, and various clinics.

Consider attending a Stop the Bleed session to equip yourself with life-saving skills. To learn more about Stop the Bleed training, click here. If you’d like to support Shock Trauma training initiatives and help the organization reach more Marylanders with this crucial training, click here.