On August 14, the KnowEMS consortium hosted a timely webinar titled "Lessons Observed from Stop the Bleed Campaigns", bringing together leading experts from the USA, Israel, and Romania to explore the evolution, impact, and future of one of the most widely adopted public health training programs in the world.
As global threats ranging from active shooter incidents to industrial accidents persist, the need for immediate bleeding control has become a public health imperative. On August 14, the KnowEMS consortium hosted a timely webinar titled "Lessons Observed from Stop the Bleed Campaigns", bringing together leading experts from the USA, Israel, and Romania to explore the evolution, impact, and future of one of the most widely adopted public health training programs in the world.
The session featured insights from:
Originally launched in 2016 by the U.S. Department of Defense, Stop the Bleed (STB) was born out of lessons learned from battlefield fatalities, particularly those resulting from massive extremity bleeding — a leading cause of preventable death among soldiers.
Since then, STB has expanded dramatically, reaching communities in over 180 countries and becoming a global initiative to empower ordinary people to act in the crucial minutes before emergency responders arrive.
Key messages from the campaign include:
However, panelists noted that in the civilian setting, STB requires adaptation. Civilian trauma often occurs in chaotic or violent environments — such as shootings or traffic accidents — where basic bleeding control must be paired with situational awareness and personal risk assessment.
A recurring theme in the discussion was the challenge of skill retention. Participants stressed that while initial STB training boosts bystander confidence, skills can degrade over time without refreshers or practical reinforcement.
To address this, the industry and training organizations are exploring innovative solutions:
Still, no substitute exists for hands-on practice, and ongoing engagement remains critical.
While data on survival impact in civilian settings is limited, studies show that STB training:
Speakers acknowledged that while STB is essential in bleeding control, it often lacks contextual training. Instructors should prepare trainees for the realities of emergency scenes, where quick decision-making and personal safety are as important as applying a tourniquet.
The role of medical device manufacturers was another focal point. As STB expands into public spaces, companies must balance:
Manufacturers are increasingly involved in training programs — both as a way to receive user feedback and to ensure proper use of their products in the field.
However, speakers called for updated regulatory frameworks to accommodate emerging technologies that could support public bleeding control efforts more safely and effectively.
The KnowEMS webinar emphasized that Stop the Bleed remains a powerful tool in the global effort to improve prehospital care. But its effectiveness hinges on realistic training, accessible equipment, and an understanding that bleeding control often occurs under stressful, dangerous conditions.
As KnowEMS continues to foster collaboration across borders, this webinar served as a crucial reminder: Saving lives doesn’t start in the ambulance — it starts with the people nearby, equipped with knowledge, confidence, and the right tools.