National Stop the Bleed Day

What Everyone Should Know to Stop Bleeding After an Injury

Ensure your safety.
Look for life-threatening bleeding.

Is a trauma first-aid kit available?

IF NO

Use any clean cloth.
Apply steady direct pressure directly on the wound.

IF YES

Where is the wound?
- Arm Leg
- Neck. Shoulder Groin

Is a tourniquet available?

IF YES

Apply above the bleeding site
Tighten until the bleeding stops

IF NO

Pack the wound with bleeding control (hemostatic) gauze (preferred), any gauze, or clean cloth.
Apply steady direct pressure

UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your child's doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your child's provider.

Downloads

Stop the bleed infographic

Recommended reading

Injury Prevention

Injuries are the nation's no. 1 cause of child death and disability. Get tips for preventing injuries and drowning, using car seats properly and more.

Babysitter Interview Checklist for Parents

When it's time to choose a babysitter for your child, knowing what to look for isn't always easy. Get tips on what to ask as you interview babysitters.

Car Seat Safety

To keep your child safe in the car, watch videos on how to properly install a car seat and learn car seat and seat belt guidelines by age and size.

Sun Safety for Children and Babies

A bad sunburn in childhood doubles the risk of skin cancer later in life. Learn how to protect your baby or child with hats, clothing and sun avoidance.

Drowning Prevention

A drowning can happen in seconds. Learn how to keep your child safe around water, including with physical barriers and techniques that enhance supervision.

Fireworks Safety Tips for Parents

Keep your child safe around fireworks with tips such as not letting them light fireworks, having water handy and wearing eye and ear protection. Read more.

Holiday Safety Tips for Parents

Holiday decorating, visiting, and cooking can distract from child safety. Keep these safety tips in mind when celebrating with family and friends.

Injury Prevention "OUCH" Text Campaign

Text OUCH to 63603 to receive health and safety tips in English or Spanish via text message from our injury prevention experts.

Injury Prevention and Child Safety Information

Keep your child safe with a wide range of injury prevention tips from bike, car seat and trampoline safety to preventing burns, choking, and more.

Childhood Injury Prevention Network – Bay Area

The Childhood Injury Prevention Network – Bay Area (CIPN-BA) provides networking opportunities, data and more to create a safer world for children.

Resources for Injury Prevention

Our resources for preventing injuries can help save a child's life. See videos and tips on bike, fire and water safety, and preventing burns, falls and more.

The Dangers of Children Swallowing Button Batteries

Small, round "button" batteries pose a choking risk for babies and small children. Learn ways to prevent children from getting hold of button batteries.