Bleeding Control Kit SOP: Field Manual for Limb & Chest Trauma

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Bleeding Control Kit SOP: Field Manual for Limb & Chest Trauma

Category: First Aid Kits

Difficulty Level: Tier 3: Field Competency Required

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Written by: Valerie Ellis Lavin

Quick Overview

The FAO Right Response Bleeding Control Kit is a field-deployable hemorrhage control system designed for trained operators to manage life-threatening extremity and chest trauma at the point of injury until professional EMS assumes patient care.

The kit is organized by operational function across five capability areas: extremity hemorrhage control, junctional wound packing, penetrating chest injury management, PPE and tools, and hypothermia prevention. Primary components include a windlass tourniquet, a backup elastic tourniquet, an Israeli bandage, two 5x9 trauma pads, a hemostatic blood-clotting granule packet, two chest seals, nitrile gloves, bandage shears, a permanent marker, and an aluminized rescue blanket. Each item serves a defined role within the deployment protocol and should be staged for immediate access before any incident occurs.

Deployment follows the MAR protocol: Massive Hemorrhage first, then Airway and Respiration. The windlass tourniquet is applied high and tight on the affected limb and tightened until all pulsatile bleeding stops, with application time documented using the permanent marker. Chest seals are applied to clean, dry skin over penetrating wounds, with a second seal used to address potential exit wounds. Hemostatic granules are reserved for junctional areas where tourniquet application is not possible and require sustained direct pressure of three to five minutes minimum to be effective.

Readiness requires monthly inspection of all components, verification of sterile packaging integrity, confirmation of expiration dates, and proper staging of the tourniquet at the top of the kit for rapid access. After any deployment, the entire kit is taken out of service until fully restocked. A partially used kit must never be returned to a ready state. Operator proficiency is perishable and should be refreshed quarterly through hands-on practice and periodic recertification.

Field Application Steps

1. CONFIRM SCENE SAFETY AND DON PPE: Verify the hazard is controlled before approaching the casualty. Open the kit and immediately don one pair of nitrile gloves before any patient contact.

2. REQUEST EMS SUPPORT: Direct a bystander to call 911, communicate the nature and number of injuries, and provide your exact location. Do not delay hemorrhage control to make this call yourself.

3. EXPOSE THE INJURY: Use the bandage shears to cut away clothing, belts, or gear covering the wound. Blunt-tip shears allow rapid exposure without risk of additional injury to the casualty.

4. APPLY WINDLASS TOURNIQUET FOR LIMB BLEEDING: Position the windlass tourniquet high and tight on the affected limb, proximal to the wound. Tighten the windlass rod until all pulsatile bleeding stops, then secure the rod in the clip.

5. DOCUMENT TOURNIQUET TIME: Use the permanent marker to write the time of tourniquet application on the time strap or the casualty's forehead using the format T-[time], for example T-14:30.

6. APPLY CHEST SEAL FOR PENETRATING CHEST WOUND: Wipe blood and fluid from the skin surrounding the wound to ensure adhesion. Apply the chest seal firmly over the wound, pressing all edges to create a complete occlusive seal.

7. CHECK FOR EXIT WOUND: Log-roll the casualty to inspect for a corresponding exit wound. If an exit wound is present, apply the second chest seal using the same technique.

8. TREAT JUNCTIONAL WOUNDS IF PRESENT: Pour hemostatic granules directly into the wound at the bleeding source. Pack firmly with a trauma pad and apply sustained direct pressure for a minimum of three to five minutes, then secure the packing with the Israeli bandage or elastic tourniquet.

9. REASSESS ALL INTERVENTIONS: Confirm the tourniquet is still occluding bleeding and the chest seal remains fully adhered. Address any failure before proceeding.

10. PREVENT HYPOTHERMIA: Once all life-threatening hemorrhage is controlled, unfold the aluminized rescue blanket and cover the casualty. Tuck the edges to create a vapor barrier and mitigate heat loss.

11. PREPARE EMS HANDOFF REPORT: Document the mechanism of injury, injuries identified, and all interventions performed with times. Example: tourniquet applied to right thigh at 14:30, chest seal applied to right anterior chest at 14:32.

12. ASSIST EMS AS DIRECTED: Follow all instructions from arriving professional responders. Do not remove any applied tourniquet or dressing under any circumstance.

Equip Yourself: FAO Right Response Bleeding Control Kit for Limb & Chest

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER & SAFETY WARNING:
The information provided in this Luminary Global Field Manual is strictly for educational and informational purposes. It is not a substitute for formal medical, tactical, or professional training. In the event of a medical emergency, immediately seek professional help or contact emergency services. Luminary Global assumes no liability for the misuse of equipment, improper application of techniques, or any injuries/damages resulting from the use of these guidelines. Always rely on your official agency training, local laws, and established protocols during a crisis.