Are Your First Aiders Trained for Catastrophic Bleeds?

First aid training traditionally focuses on everyday injuries like minor cuts, sprains, and burns. But what if the emergency is far more serious—like a catastrophic bleed? A catastrophic haemorrhage can lead to death in minutes if not treated immediately and correctly. Does your workplace have trained first aiders and the right equipment to handle such incidents?

What Is a Catastrophic Bleed?

A catastrophic bleed is a life-threatening external haemorrhage that cannot be controlled by standard first aid methods such as applying direct pressure or plasters. These injuries often result from:

• Severe workplace accidents (e.g., machinery or glass injuries)
• Road traffic collisions
• Stabbings or assaults
• Terror incidents or mass casualty events
• Industrial, agricultural or construction work

In these cases, time is critical. A person can bleed to death in under five minutes. Standard first aid kits are not enough.

Why Catastrophic Bleed Training Matters

Most workplace first aid courses don’t cover the skills needed to control severe bleeding. Catastrophic bleed training teaches how to use advanced tools such as:

• Tourniquets – for limb injuries where direct pressure isn’t sufficient
• Haemostatic dressings – impregnated with agents that help blood clot
• Pressure bandages – to stabilise wounds with continuous compression
• Bleed control kits – specialised kits that supplement your first aid provisions

These tools are simple to use but must be applied correctly. Without training, a well-meaning attempt can do more harm than good.

Who Should Have Catastrophic Bleed Training?

While it’s particularly vital in high-risk industries, catastrophic bleeding training is increasingly being adopted in a wide range of sectors, including:

• Security and door staff
• Schools and colleges
• Event venues and stadiums
• Retail and transport hubs
• Community groups and volunteers

In today’s world, being prepared for the worst-case scenario is more than just best practice—it’s a duty of care.

Upgrade Your First Aid Provision

At ProTrainings Europe Ltd, we offer specialist catastrophic bleeding and trauma first aid courses to equip your staff with the skills and confidence to respond to critical bleeding incidents.

Our training includes:

• Correct tourniquet placement and usage
• Application of haemostatic agents and trauma dressings
• Use of emergency trauma kits such as TrueClot, Norse Rescue, and WoundClot

View Catastrophic Bleed Course

Equip Your Workplace with the Right Bleed Control Kits

Alongside training, it’s vital to have the right equipment to hand. We supply UK-approved bleed control kits and trauma solutions tailored to different environments. All kits are compact, easy to store, and packed with professional-grade contents.

Browse Bleed Control Kits

Final Thoughts

In a catastrophic bleeding emergency, your first aiders need more than basic skills—they need the confidence to act decisively with the right tools and training. Don’t let your workplace be caught unprepared.

Protect your team. Invest in catastrophic bleed training and trauma equipment today.