Powered by STOP THE BLEED® Kenya Initiative
Severe bleeding is one of the biggest dangers after a road crash. The human body carries about 5 litres of blood, and losing even a small amount quickly can become life-threatening. When someone is bleeding heavily, every second truly matters.
Why Stopping the Bleed is so Important
A deep cut or injury can cause someone to lose a lot of blood long before an ambulance arrives. Acting fast can keep the person alive until medical help reaches them.
1. Always Check for Safety First
Before you help anyone:
- Make sure the area is safe. Watch out for moving cars, fuel leaks, fire, or broken glass.
- If you can, wear gloves. If not, use clean plastic bags or any cloth as a barrier.
- Stand where you can see oncoming traffic and make sure you have room to move away if danger comes back.
A safe helper can save a life. A helper who becomes injured cannot.
2. Three Simple Ways to Control Bleeding
a. Direct Pressure (Most Important Method)
- Cover the wound with any clean cloth.
- Press down hard and steady.
- If the cloth becomes soaked, add another cloth on top. Do not remove the first one.
b. Elevation (If Safe)
- If the bleeding is on an arm or leg, lift it above the heart while still pressing.
- Do not lift the limb if it causes more pain or might worsen the injury.
c. Improvised Tourniquet (Last Option)
Use a tourniquet only for severe bleeding on an arm or leg when direct pressure is not enough.
- Use a wide cloth or scarf never thin materials like rope or wire.
- Tie it 5–10 cm above the wound, not on a joint.
- Using a stick or pen, pull as you would close a tap
- Do this until the heavy bleeding stops.
- Write down the time you applied it and get medical help fast.
QuickFix Roadside Innovation Tips
- A scarf or clean cloth works well to cover and press on the wound.
- If nothing else is available, use your own clothing or the victim’s clothing.
- The most important step is strong, steady pressure on the wound until help arrives.
- Don’t lift the cloth to “check” — just keep adding layers if needed.
⚠️ Fun Fact: Don’t Give Water to Someone Who Is Bleeding Badly
When a person has lost a lot of blood, their body is in shock. Giving them water can make them choke or vomit, which can block the airway and make things worse.
Keep them lying down, keep them warm, and focus on stopping the bleeding, not giving drinks.
🚦 Scene Safety Tip of the Month
Never run to help without checking for danger first. You cannot save anyone if you become a victim.
💡 QuickFix Tip of the Month: Direct Pressure Layering
- Keep pressing firmly.
- Add more clothes on top if the first one gets soaked.
- Look out for signs that the person is getting worse.
Emergency Numbers - AA Kenya Roadside Assistance: 0709 933 000 / 0709 933 999
- Police: 999 / 112 / 911
- Ambulance: Through AA Kenya or local EMS services
- QuickFix Training Enquiries: 0707 079 192
As you plan for 2026, make a strong commitment:
- Take a FREE STOP THE BLEED® course in Kenya, and
- Consider a full First Aid course to build deeper skills for yourself, your school, your workplace, and your community.
The more Kenyans who know what to do, the more lives we can save together.