Where Should Bleeding Control Kits Be Placed? 

 

 Bleeding control kits are a critical component for school systems, and even required in some states. The 2022 calendar year broke the record for the most school shootings in the past 4 decades making it one of the most dangerous years for teens between the ages of 12-17.1 

 

 Although there is no official requirement on how many kits each school should have, we recommend multiple kits be available to accommodate the number of victims that may need access to these life-saving tools. Uncontrolled bleeding is responsible for 35% of prehospital trauma deaths and within the first 24 hours, 40% of deaths.2 However, when using a bleeding control kit – teachers, students, and staff members have a much higher chance of survival.  

 

 Best Place to Store Bleeding Control Kits in Schools  

 We recommend having multiple bleeding control kits available in high-traffic or high-occupancy areas around the premises. These kits should be publicly accessible, easy to find, and in places where they are most likely to be needed. Storing your kits in a Stop the Bleed Metal Wall Cabinet can help with visibility and accessibility.  

 

 Recommended locations:  

• Gymnasium 
• Auditorium  
• Main Office  
• Library 
• Concession stands  
• Weight room  
• Athletic fields and/or with the athletic trainer 
• Buses and athletic team vehicles  
• Paired where first aid kits are available 

 

 Best Practices and Recommendations for Hosting Bleeding Control Kits  

1. Meeting quarterly with students, teachers, and staff on emergency protocol and procedures.  
2. Installing bleed control kits next to publicly accessible AED (Automated External Defibrillator) cabinets and other first aid kits, so that they are all in a known location.  
3. Equipping all school vehicles and buses with first aid and bleeding control kits.  
4. Installing multiple bleeding control kits in recommended areas.  
5. Reserving special days for teachers to obtain first aid, CPR, AED, and Stop the Bleed training refresher courses.  
6. Requiring security guards, coaches, and any other school staff necessary to carry bleeding control kits on them and receive Stop the Bleed, CPR, AED, and first aid training.

 

Anyone can use a bleeding control kit in a life-threatening emergency. If you have any questions about bleeding control kits and how to incorporate them into your school system, please contact our team using our Contact Us Form.  

 

 References  

1 Arundel, N. M. and K. (2022, December 21). School shootings reach unprecedented high in 2022. K-12 Dive. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.k12dive.com/news/2022-worst-year-for-school-shootings/639313/  

2 Roth, C. (2020, August 5). When minutes count: Trauma center provides bleeding control training to UR Public Safety officers as part of national effort. URMC Newsroom. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/when-minutes-count-trauma-center-provides-bleeding-control-training–to-ur-public-safety-officers-as-part-of-national-effort     

 

 DISCLAIMER: Information and resources found on the aed.com website and blog are intended to educate, inform, and motivate readers to make their health and wellness decisions after consulting with their healthcare provider. The authors are not healthcare providers. NO information on this site should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition.