Why Trauma Bleed Kits Matter: What Would You Do in an Emergency?

By Steve Jelfs, Defibrillation Specialist, Defib4Life

Recent events reported in the news have left many of us wondering what we would do in an emergency. Of course, the first port of call is always to dial 999. But, in time-critical situations, those first few minutes before the emergency services arrive can make all the difference. 

At Defib4Life, we’re committed to raising awareness not only about the importance of defibrillators and how to use them, but also about other essential, life-saving equipment and the steps anyone can take to manage an incident effectively before professional help arrives. Having seen first-hand the difference this equipment can make, we do our utmost to encourage venues, workplaces and public spaces to ensure they have the right training and equipment on site to respond quickly and confidently should an emergency occur.

One such piece of equipment is our bleed control kits. More advanced than a standard first aid kit, which is typically designed to treat minor scrapes and small cuts, these kits empower untrained bystanders to take immediate action to control life-threatening bleeding and potentially save lives.

So, what exactly is a bleeding control kit and how can it help in an unexpected emergency?

Why Immediate Action is Important in an Emergency

Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time - on public transport, in schools, entertainment venues or community events. These spaces are often confined or crowded, which means evacuation can be delayed and it can take medical professionals longer to arrive on the scene.

When emergencies such as catastrophic bleeding strike, it’s usually people who are nearby who become the ones who must intervene before medical help arrives. When someone experiences a major bleed, time is critical.

In 2023, Latif et al. described a “chain of survival” for traumatic haemorrhage to: 

• Recognise catastrophic bleeding
• Apply rapid control (direct pressure, tourniquet, or haemostatic dressing)
• Ensure timely transfer to definitive care

Having the right knowledge and the confidence to act while waiting for medical help to arrive is essential, but so is having the right equipment to treat the patient. That’s why it’s vital to have trauma kits available anywhere people live, work and travel. So if the worst happens, help is always nearby.

Public Access Trauma Kits (PAcT), or Bleed Control Kits, such as the ZOLL Mobilize® compact kit, are designed to bridge this critical time window, enabling bystanders to provide effective bleed control until professional help arrives.

What is a traumatic bleeding (bleed control) kit?

A bleed-control kit (trauma or catastrophic bleed kit) is designed to manage life-threatening external bleeding, the type caused by deep lacerations, stabbings, or crush injuries.

These kits usually include:

• Emergency tourniquet (for limb bleeding)
• Haemostatic dressings (to promote clotting)
• Chest seals (for penetrating chest injuries)
• Trauma dressings and pressure bandages
• Gloves, shears, foil blanket, marker pen, and face shield
• Clear user instructions

The ZOLL Mobilize® compact kit empowers bystanders to act when every minute counts. All Mobilize trauma kits include the integrated Mobilize Rescue app. This real-time instructional app helps bystanders assess, manage, and treat victims in emergency situations. The step-by-step directions, provided through simple interactive prompts, written instructions, and visual cues, guide rescuers on how to use the medical supplies in each kit to provide care during a medical emergency.

Each kit includes supplies for treating a broad range of traumatic issues such as severe bleeding, seizure, burns, hypothermia, and more.

Standard first aid kits often lack these items. Rapid haemorrhage control is one of the most critical determinants of survival in trauma. Studies show that uncontrolled bleeding is responsible for up to 40% of preventable trauma deaths.

Preparation Saves Lives

Catastrophe can strike anywhere, and the minutes before the ambulance arrives are critical. It’s impossible to predict when or where the next emergency will happen, but every workspace, transport hub or venue can take steps to ensure that anyone is ready to respond. 

Organisations and communities can take action and make a difference in these situations in a number of ways: 

• Installing bleed control kits in workplaces, stations and public venues, making sure they’re easy to locate 
• Training staff and volunteers in basic trauma bleeding control
• Integrating trauma kits into existing first aid and emergency plans instead of treating them as a separate issue
• Ensuring anyone can find the kits in an emergency by displaying signage, offering safety briefings and providing public education so everyone knows where to equipment is and how to use it
• Having the right tools, and the confidence to use them, means that when the unthinkable happens, bystanders are not helpless.

If you’d like to know more about trauma bleeding kits and the right product for your needs, please contact our customer service team.