CHICAGO — Severe bleeding from trauma is a leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., claiming thousands of lives each year. During National Stop the Bleed Month this May, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) is raising awareness about the critical need for bleeding control education and empowering the public with life-saving skills. National Stop the Bleed Day is also recognized on May 22, the Thursday of National EMS Week each year.
"Bleeding emergencies can happen anytime — at home, on the road, or in public spaces," said Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS, Executive Director and CEO of the ACS. “ACS Stop the Bleed training gives everyone the confidence and ability to act quickly and help save lives until first responders arrive.”
Why ACS Stop the Bleed Matters
- Everyday emergencies: Uncontrolled bleeding can result from car crashes, workplace accidents, or even household injuries. Read about two recent examples of Stop the Bleed in action:
- Minutes matter: A person can die from severe blood loss in as little as five minutes.
- Simple steps save lives: Stop the Bleed teaches three easy techniques—apply pressure, pack the wound, and use a tourniquet—to stop bleeding effectively.
- Good Samaritan laws: Worth noting, all US states and the District of Columbia have Good Samaritan laws in place, which protect bystanders when helping in an emergency.
Since its launch, the ACS Stop the Bleed program has trained nearly 5 million people worldwide, making it the global leader in bleeding control education.
Key Updates for 2025
- New, more accessible training course: The updated ACS Stop the Bleed course features visual-driven lessons and adaptable content accessible for all people.
- Legislative progress: At least 14 states have laws to require bleeding control kits in schools or public spaces, the most recent being Virginia. An additional 15 states have active legislation related to Stop the Bleed.
- Expanding global reach: The program continues to grow, with training initiatives in underserved communities worldwide.
How to Get Involved
Experts Available for Interviews
To discuss Stop the Bleed and its life-saving impact, the following ACS experts are available for media interviews:
- David S. Shapiro, MD, MHCM, FCCM, FACS (English interviews) Vice-Chair, ACS Stop the Bleed Committee
- "Anyone can learn to Stop the Bleed — it’s about empowering people to act when seconds count."
- Carlos H. Palacio, MD, FACS (English & Spanish interviews) Chair, Southern Texas ACS Committee on Trauma
- "Stop the Bleed should be as common as CPR. Training saves lives in our communities.”
To schedule an interview, contact pressinquiry@facs.org. Journalists can also learn more about ACS Stop the Bleed on this resource page.
About ACS Stop the Bleed
The ACS Stop the Bleed program administers the premier bleeding control course and was created by leading trauma and emergency response professionals. ACS Stop the Bleed is the largest global provider of bleeding control training and is instrumental in the development of both state and national legislation in the U.S. to empower the public with training and access to Stop the Bleed kits.
