The Most Overlooked Skill for CCW Carriers: Stop the Bleed Training
As a concealed carry weapon (CCW) carrier, your primary responsibility is to protect yourself and others from harm. However, there's a crucial skill that many overlook: stopping bleeding in the aftermath of a shooting or traumatic injury. In this post, we will discuss why Stop the Bleed training is just as essential as knowing how to use your firearm—and how it can save lives in life-threatening situations.
Why Stop the Bleed Training Matters
While many CCW classes focus on the legalities, tactics, and mechanics of using a firearm, they often neglect to address what happens after the weapon is discharged. If someone is shot or injured, the first minutes following the incident are critical. One of the most common causes of death in traumatic injury situations is uncontrolled bleeding. The good news is that you can act quickly to save lives.
Bleeding Can Kill Quickly
In traumatic injuries, a person can lose a significant amount of blood within minutes, and without immediate intervention, they may die. CCW carriers need to understand the importance of applying pressure to the wound, using tourniquets, or packing a wound with hemostatic gauze. Studies show that bystanders who are trained in basic medical response are often able to help stabilize an individual long enough for emergency responders to arrive.
The Psychological Benefit
The ability to stop the bleed can also have a profound psychological effect. Knowing that you can save someone’s life—not just defend yourself—can help you stay calm and focused when the situation becomes intense. When you carry a firearm, you must be mentally prepared for both defending and protecting lives.
Stop the Bleed Training: Easy, Practical, and Essential
Fortunately, Stop the Bleed training is easy to access. You don’t need to be a medical professional to learn how to use the essential tools like pressure dressings, tourniquets, or hemostatic gauze. Many community organizations and even local police departments offer courses designed for non-medical people. The training is simple, effective, and can be a game-changer when seconds matter.
What You Will Learn in Stop the Bleed Training
In a typical Stop the Bleed course, you will learn how to:
- Apply direct pressure to control bleeding
- Use a tourniquet effectively
- Pack a wound to stop severe bleeding
- Perform basic first aid techniques that could save lives
Tools You’ll Use
Here are the basic tools covered in Stop the Bleed training, and how they can be used:
- Tourniquets: To stop bleeding from limbs, often the most effective method for severe injuries.
- Pressure Bandages: To apply sustained pressure to a wound and slow blood loss.
- Hemostatic Gauze: A special type of bandage that helps blood clot faster, reducing the risk of excessive bleeding.
Conclusion: Adding Stop the Bleed to Your CCW Training
As a responsible CCW carrier, you must recognize that carrying a weapon comes with additional responsibilities. The ability to prevent blood loss in a shooting incident or traumatic injury could be the difference between life and death. By adding Stop the Bleed training to your regular CCW curriculum, you will be better prepared to handle emergencies and ultimately save lives.
You can start your training FREE by clicking the link below
https://www.stopthebleed.org/training/online-course/