In an emergency, would you know how to help someone who is bleeding? During a life-threatening situation, anyone at the scene can act as immediate responder and help save a life.

Cedars-Sinai is proud to offer free "Stop the Bleed" training to teach simple bleeding control techniques that can help save lives. Offered by our Trauma Program, the class is open to the public and all are welcome, including those without medical training.

The skills learned in a Stop the Bleed class are taught throughout the country to military, medical, and law enforcement personnel, but the usefulness of the skills extends to everybody.

"Bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death," says Cedars-Sinai Trauma Education, Injury Prevention, and Outreach Coordinator Brett Dodd. "It is the bystander who will most likely be the immediate responder to active shooter, mass causality, or other emergency events and can have the greatest impact on stopping bleeding and saving a life," Dodd says.

A person can die within 5-10 minutes due to uncontrolled bleeding, but proper bleeding control methods—including hand techniques, dressings, and tourniquets—can make all the difference.

"Cedars-Sinai, as a Level I trauma hospital, is dedicated to improving the health status of our community," Brett says. "In a disaster, man-made or natural, or in an emergency situation, this means educating our community to act when needed."

The program is taught in 2.5 hours and consists of a lecture and hands-on skills stations.

Click here to sign up for an upcoming Stop the Bleed class. More sessions will be added frequently.