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Everything You Need to Know About Bleed Control Kits
Serious bleeding is one of the most urgent medical emergencies anyone can face, and it can become life-threatening far quicker than you probably realise.
A person can lose a dangerous amount of blood in as little as 60–90 seconds, and catastrophic haemorrhage can be fatal within three to five minutes if nothing is done. And with ambulance response times often unpredictable, especially in busy areas, having the right equipment on hand can genuinely save a life long before paramedics arrive.
This is why bleed control kits are becoming increasingly common across the UK in workplaces, schools, public venues and community spaces, because they give ordinary people the ability to act confidently in the crucial first moments after a traumatic injury.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what a bleed control kit is, what’s inside, why they’re so important, and how much they typically cost in the UK. Whether you’re a business owner, an event organiser or simply someone who wants to be prepared, here’s everything you need to know!
First things first…
What Is a Bleed Control Kit?
To sum it up, a bleed control kit, also known as a haemorrhage control kit, is a specialised first aid resource designed specifically for dealing with severe or potentially life-threatening bleeding.
Unlike your standard first aid kit, which is typically stocked for managing minor cuts and everyday injuries – a bleed control kit contains advanced tools intended to slow or stop major blood loss until emergency medical services arrive and take over.
These kits are essential in instances where serious injuries may occur, providing the public or trained responders with the necessary tools to deliver lifesaving intervention in the crucial moments following a traumatic incident.
What Is in a Bleed Control Kit?
While a regular first aid kit can handle a scrape or cut – for major injuries, especially those that bleed heavily – you need more serious tools. The tools often found in a bleed control kit include:
- Tourniquet – A strong strap device designed to go around an injured arm or leg to quickly stop the blood flow, which can be lifesaving.
- Haemostatic gauze or dressing – This isn’t like a standard plaster – it’s treated with clotting agents that help blood to clot quickly once packed into a deep wound.
- Pressure bandages – These are thick, highly-absorbent dressings that you place over a wound to press on it, soak up blood, and help stem heavy bleeding when used along with pressure or gauze.
- Disposable gloves – Used to protect both you and the casualty from contact with blood or bodily fluids.
- Trauma scissors – These are used to cut away clothing quickly so you can get to the wound without wasting time or struggling.
- Basic protective or supplemental gear – This might include a CPR face shield for resuscitation, a foil blanket to keep the casualty warm, and a marker pen (to note when a tourniquet was applied, which is important for hospital staff).
- Chest seal – Some kits (like the Daniel Baird one we stock) include a seal for chest wounds (e.g. from stabbing or other penetrating trauma) to help manage serious chest injuries.
Looking for a compact, high-impact bleed control kit for your business, school or event? The Daniel Baird Emergency Bleeding Control Kit contains everything needed to manage a traumatic bleed, including penetrating wounds, arterial bleeding, and compound injuries.
And if you need a reliable way to store your bleed control kit, the BleedCaddy Unlocked Emergency Bleed Control Cabinet is a sturdy, highly visible solution that keeps everything protected and easy to access.
Why You Need a Bleed Kit
A bleed kit is something you hope you’ll never need, but you’ll be incredibly grateful to have if a serious incident happens.
In the critical moments after a major injury, heavy bleeding can become life-threatening far quicker than most people realise, often within just a few minutes.
This is why having a bleed kit nearby means you’ve got the right tools on hand to take action straightaway, rather than feeling helpless while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.
Whether it’s for a workplace, school, venue or community space, a bleed kit gives ordinary people the ability to make a real difference in an emergency.
How Much Is a Bleed Control Kit in the UK?
How much a bleed control kit costs in the UK really depends on what type of bleed control kit you’re buying, and what’s included.
But, to give you a good idea, basic kits in the UK start at around £50–£70, while more comprehensive packs typically cost £80–£160 (depending on what’s included).
At Defib World, the Daniel Baird Emergency Bleeding Control Kit is currently on offer for £80, developed in collaboration with the Daniel Baird Foundation.
We also stock singular products such as emergency tourniquets, thermal blankets and critical injury packs, and you can check out our wide range of bleed control products here, with a handful included in our black Friday sale.
How Can We Help
At Defib World, we’re committed to helping businesses create a truly heart-safe environment.
Our range of defibrillators, bleed control kits and first aid equipment ensures you’re not just compliant, but properly equipped to protect staff, customers and the wider public.
You can also call us on 0330 223 6336 to discuss your requirements and find the perfect solution for your organisation. And for more expert insights and advice, check out our regularly updated first aid & defibrillator blog.
