Top Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Stop the Bleed Kit

In an emergency, every second counts—especially when it involves severe bleeding. A stop the bleed kit is a critical tool designed to help bystanders control life-threatening hemorrhages before professional help arrives. But owning a stop the bleed kit isn’t enough; using it correctly is just as important.

Whether you're a concerned parent, teacher, outdoor enthusiast, or simply a prepared citizen, understanding how to avoid the most common mistakes when using a stop the bleed kit can save lives. This article walks you through those key errors and how to ensure you're truly ready when the time comes.

Not Knowing What’s Inside the Stop the Bleed Kit

One of the first mistakes people make is not familiarizing themselves with the contents of their stop-the-bleed kit. Most kits include a tourniquet, hemostatic gauze, pressure dressing, gloves, trauma shears, and an instruction card. However, different kits vary.

Why it matters: If you don’t know what’s in your kit or how each item works, you’ll waste precious moments in an emergency. Open your stop the bleed kit before you ever need it. Lay out each item and learn its purpose.

Failing to Receive Proper Training

Buying a stop-the-bleed kit without any training is like buying a fire extinguisher and not knowing how to pull the pin. While many of the tools are designed for public use, applying them incorrectly can reduce their effectiveness, or worse, cause harm.

Solution: Enroll in a Stop the Bleed-certified class (many are free). These courses teach you how to recognize severe bleeding, use a tourniquet correctly, apply pressure dressings, and more. Hands-on experience is key.

Delaying Use of the Tourniquet

Some people hesitate to apply a tourniquet, fearing they'll cause damage. Delay is more dangerous. Tourniquets are designed for life-threatening limb bleeds and should be applied immediately when direct pressure fails or is insufficient.

Remember: If the bleeding is spurting, won’t stop, or soaks through clothing, apply the tourniquet high and tight on the limb, above the wound and any joints. Waiting too long can lead to unnecessary blood loss and even death.

Applying the Tourniquet Incorrectly

Another major error is using the tourniquet incorrectly. Common mistakes include placing it too low on the limb, not tightening it enough, or forgetting to note the application time.

Best practice: Tourniquets must be applied tightly enough to stop the pulse below the application site. Always mark the time on the victim’s skin or a label, as this helps emergency responders assess limb viability.

Ignoring Signs of Life-Threatening Bleeding

Not all bleeding looks dramatic, but that doesn't mean it isn’t serious. If blood is pooling rapidly, soaking through clothing, or coming from a deep wound, act quickly.

Warning signs:

• Blood that spurts or pulses
• Soaking a towel or pad in under a minute
• The victim is pale, confused, or losing consciousness

Don’t underestimate the situation. If you think you might need to use a stop-the-bleed kit, you probably do.

Not Wearing Gloves or Protecting Yourself

It’s easy to panic and dive in to help, but skipping protective gear like gloves puts both you and the victim at risk. Bloodborne pathogens are a real concern, even in emergencies.

Always: Use the gloves in your stop the bleed kit. If available, add eye protection or a mask. Keeping yourself safe ensures you can continue helping effectively.

Forgetting to Call for Emergency Help

While a stop-the-bleed kit helps control bleeding, it’s not a substitute for professional care. One common mistake is failing to call emergency services right away.

Tip: Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately. Then, begin bleeding control. Even if you’re trained, don’t assume you can handle everything alone—paramedics need to be en route as soon as possible.

Poor Kit Maintenance

A neglected kit can be dangerous. Tourniquets can degrade, gloves can tear, and gauze can expire. Failing to inspect your stop the bleed kit regularly means you might find it incomplete or useless when you need it most. Proper maintenance is essential to ensure every item works when it matters most.

Checklist:

• Inspect every 3–6 months
• Replace expired or damaged items
• Restock after each use, even partial

Always store your kit in a clearly labeled, dry, and accessible place.

Misplacing or Improperly Storing the Kit

Your individual first aid kit for stopping bleeding won’t help if it’s buried in a drawer or locked in a vehicle trunk. Easy access is essential in high-stress situations.

Suggestion: Place kits in visible, central locations—kitchen, car, school office, first aid station. Label them clearly. Practice finding and opening them quickly.

Overconfidence or Panic During Use

In emergencies, people either freeze or go into autopilot. Overconfidence can lead to skipping steps, while panic may cause fumbling or inaction.

Solution: Stay calm and follow the steps you've learned in training. Keep the included instruction card nearby and practice regularly, even mentally rehearsing. Confidence comes from preparation, not guessing.

Final Thoughts

A stop the bleed kit is a powerful, life-saving tool—but only when used correctly. Avoiding these common mistakes ensures you’re not just equipped, but truly ready to respond. Whether you're dealing with a car accident, home injury, or public emergency, proper use of a stop the bleed kit can mean the difference between life and death.

That’s why Risen Medical provides expertly designed, easy-to-use kits trusted by first responders and safety-conscious families alike. Visit Risen Medical’s website today to explore our full range of emergency kits—and take the first step toward saving lives. Have questions? Our team is ready to help you choose the right solution.