Stop the Bleed: Direct Pressure and Pressure Bandage

A partner workshop on controlling external bleeding: glove up, apply firm direct pressure, put on a pressure bandage, and keep watching. Students practice on a partner's arm or a rolled-up towel and learn to recognize when a wound is serious.

How to play

1. Intro (3 min): minor versus severe bleeding (spurting or soaking through clothes) and the sequence gloves, pressure, bandage, 911.
2. In pairs with a scenario card. Step 1 (3 min): put gloves on and take them off without touching the outside.
3. Step 2 (4 min): direct pressure with the heel of the hand and a straight arm on a rolled-up towel, 1 minute without lifting.
4. Step 3 (5 min): pressure bandage on the partner's arm, wrapping toward the heart, snug but loose enough for a finger; switch roles while the next pair checks.
5. Scenarios (5 min): the teacher calls out situations, like a bandage soaking through, and each pair decides whether to add another bandage or call 911.

Rules

• Safety: the wrap is never tight enough to cause tingling and comes off after the check.
• Always wear gloves, even for a pretend wound.
• If the bandage soaks through, don't remove it: add another on top.
• Used gloves go in the trash.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: seated practice with the rolled towel on a table.
• Students anxious about blood: scenarios without pictures and the checker role if preferred.
• Visual impairment: guide the hands to the pressure point.

Learning goals

• Tell minor bleeding from severe bleeding.
• Apply direct pressure and a pressure bandage while wearing gloves.
• Decide when to call 911 for help.

Equipment for a class of 25

• elastic wraps: 26
• disposable gloves: 50
• towels: 13
• scenario cards: 13

Teacher tip

Some students get lightheaded just talking about blood: explain the topic beforehand and let anyone sit if needed. Check that no wrap is left too tight.

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