JAMA. 2018 Aug 14;320(6):589-590

# Stop the bleeding: Educating the public.

Fisher A, Bulger E, Gestring M

Uncontrolled hemorrhage is the single most preventable cause of death following traumatic injury. Bystanders can control bleeding and potentially save lives if they are willing to intervene. Bystander engagement has been identified as a vital first link in the chain of survival following injury.

Efforts to promote greater awareness about bleeding control techniques in the civilian environment evolved through lessons learned from the military. The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have led to significant improvements in the identification and out-of-hospital treatment of massive hemorrhage.