There are differences between a first-aid kit and a bleed control kit. Certainly, both provide important tools to address various emergency situations. Both provide potentially lifesaving supplies necessary to treat injuries. However, there are key differences between them.


What Are the Differences?


It should be noted that while they are both invaluable in treating injuries, they are not meant to be interchangeable.

First-aid kits are designed to treat minor injuries such as sprains, burns, scrapes and minor cuts.

Bleed control kits are designed to help control life-threatening bleeding which can be caused by motor vehicle accidents, gunshot wounds, stabbings, or industrial accidents.


Injuries That a First-Aid Kit Can Treat


A well-stocked first-aid kit should contain supplies that can treat non-life-threatening injuries such as burns, sprains, frostbite, scrapes, abrasions, and cuts.

Some of the supplies in a first-aid kit include:

  • Burn Gel
  • Antibacterial Wipes
  • Band-Aids
  • Aspirin
  • Hydrocortisone Ointment
  • Medical Tape
  • Gauze
  • Antibacterial Ointment
  • Cold Packs

It is recommended that stocked first-aid kits be available in schools, offices, playing fields, and in the home. It is also recommended that teachers, office managers, parents, coaches, friends, babysitters, recreational leaders, and family members be first-aid certified so they can act quickly and effectively to treat injuries.

It should be noted that while first-aid kits are invaluable, they are not designed to properly treat life-threatening bleeding.


Injuries a Bleed Stop Kit can treat


Bleed control kits are also known as trauma kits and have specially designed supplies to help treat life-threatening bleeding. They are designed to stop heavy bleeding brought on by gunshot wounds, motor vehicle accidents, and stabbings. They do not have the appropriate equipment to treat burns, frostbite, cuts or abrasions.

The following equipment comes in vacuum-sealed packaging to preserve a germ-free application.

Contents of a Basic Bleed Control Kit:

  • 1 Permanent Marker
  • 2 Pair of Latex-Free Gloves
  • 1 Extremity Tourniquet
  • 1 Emergency Bandage
  • 1 Pair of Trauma Shears
  • 2 Rolls of Compression Gauze Dressing
  • 1 Instruction Guide


Contents of an Advanced Bleed Control Kit:

  • 1 Permanent Marker
  • 2 Pair of Latex-Free Gloves
  • 1 Tourniquet
  • 1 Hemostatic Bleeding Control Dressing (3”x4”)
  • 1 Chest Seal
  • 1 Emergency Bandage 4”
  • 1 Pair of Trauma Shears 5.5”
  • 1 Compression Dressing


Who Needs a Bleed Control Kit?


Uncontrolled bleeding is responsible for 35% of pre-hospital trauma deaths.

Anyone who needs a first-aid kit, should have an emergency bleeding control kit on hand as well. They can be used to treat victims of violent crimes, motorcycle accidents, mass shootings occurring in public spaces like parks, schools, and office buildings.

If you are in need of an emergency bleeding control kit, reach out to Sands Canada.