STOP THE BLEED is a program initiated by the U.S. Department of Defense to empower bystanders to act as immediate responders in bleeding emergencies. It was developed based on lessons from military combat care in Iraq and Afghanistan, where rapid bleeding control significantly improved survival rates.  Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death after trauma, and a person can die from severe blood loss within minutes, often before emergency medical services arrive. 

Key Techniques

The program teaches three primary techniques to control severe bleeding:

1. Applying direct pressure to the wound to slow or stop blood flow
2. Packing wounds with gauze or other materials to control internal bleeding 
3. Using a tourniquet to stop blood flow to a limb when direct pressure is insufficient 

These techniques are designed to be simple and effective so that anyone, regardless of medical background, can save a life in an emergency.