Stop the Bleed: Civilian Training Based on TECC and TCCC Curriculum

Stop the Bleed: How Civilian Training Evolved from TECC and TCCC Principles

Across the United States and especially in Orange County, Los Angeles County, and throughout Southern California, more people are learning essential lifesaving skills through the Stop the Bleed program. What many don’t realize is that this training is built upon two of the most respected and battle-tested medical frameworks in the world — TECC (Tactical Emergency Casualty Care) and TCCC (Tactical Combat Casualty Care). These systems, originally developed for military and tactical professionals, have been carefully modified and rewritten for the general public so that anyone can learn how to act quickly and effectively in a bleeding emergency.

The Origins: TCCC — Tactical Combat Casualty Care

TCCC was created by the U.S. military in the 1990s after recognizing that many preventable deaths on the battlefield were caused by uncontrolled bleeding. This program revolutionized trauma medicine by focusing on immediate, practical interventions that could be performed under extreme stress and in hostile environments. Concepts such as using tourniquets early, controlling massive hemorrhage, and maintaining situational awareness changed how medics and soldiers approached combat injuries.

The TCCC framework divides care into three phases — Care Under Fire, Tactical Field Care, and Tactical Evacuation Care — each emphasizing the right actions at the right time. This structured approach has saved countless lives in combat zones and continues to evolve with modern evidence-based medicine.

From Battlefield to Civilian Streets: The Development of TECC

Recognizing the success of TCCC in saving lives, civilian emergency responders began to adopt and adapt these same principles. This led to the creation of TECC (Tactical Emergency Casualty Care) — a version designed for law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders who may face high-stress situations such as active shooter incidents, car crashes, or workplace accidents.

TECC focuses on the same core priorities: stopping life-threatening bleeding, maintaining airway control, and preventing shock. However, it removes the direct combat references and instead addresses civilian realities — such as multi-casualty scenes, limited medical resources, and delayed EMS response times. It’s the bridge between military trauma medicine and real-world emergency response.

Stop the Bleed: Empowering the General Public

The Stop the Bleed program was launched as a national initiative to bring the life-saving lessons of TECC and TCCC to ordinary citizens. It’s a distilled version of these advanced medical principles, designed for anyone — from teachers and parents to office workers and community volunteers. The mission is simple: empower everyday people to take immediate action before professional help arrives.

In just a few hours of training, participants learn to recognize life-threatening bleeding, apply tourniquets properly, pack deep wounds with hemostatic or plain gauze, and maintain pressure until emergency services take over. The curriculum emphasizes calm decision-making, safety awareness, and rapid intervention — the same mindset that saves lives in tactical environments, now applied to schools, businesses, and communities.

How the Training Has Been Adapted

• Language and context: Military terminology is replaced with plain, accessible language to make concepts clear for all learners.
• Scenario-based instruction: Instead of combat examples, we use realistic civilian situations — car crashes, industrial accidents, home injuries, and public violence incidents.
• Hands-on learning: Students practice applying real tourniquets, wound packing, and pressure control on training mannequins or simulated limbs.
• Community focus: The emphasis is on teamwork, communication, and readiness within families, workplaces, and organizations.

These modifications make the material approachable without sacrificing its medical accuracy or effectiveness. The result is a course that truly empowers civilians to act decisively when seconds matter most.

Stop the Bleed Training in Orange County and Los Angeles

At Stop the Bleed Training California, we bring this vital education directly to the public throughout Orange County, Los Angeles County, and surrounding Southern California regions. Our sessions combine classroom learning with hands-on simulation using professional-grade equipment. Each participant learns by doing — applying tourniquets, packing wounds, and managing realistic bleeding scenarios in a supportive, interactive environment.

We work with a wide range of groups including corporate safety teams, school security personnel, private citizens, and church safety ministries. Our training is also ideal for event venues, hotels, construction sites, and any workplace that values preparedness and employee safety. Classes are typically two to three hours long and can be tailored for small private groups or larger organizational sessions.

Bringing Real-World Experience to Civilian Training

Our instructors are certified professionals with backgrounds in emergency medicine, law enforcement, and tactical medical response. We’ve adapted TECC and TCCC concepts through years of field experience, ensuring that every student receives realistic, relevant instruction. This approach bridges the gap between theory and action — teaching not just what to do, but how to do it confidently under stress.

Unlike generic first aid or CPR classes, Stop the Bleed training zeroes in on the most common cause of preventable death in trauma: uncontrolled hemorrhage. By focusing specifically on bleeding control, participants leave the class equipped with skills that can make an immediate difference in life-threatening emergencies.

Southern California’s Need for Preparedness

Whether it’s a freeway accident, industrial workplace injury, or public incident, Southern California’s dense population and busy lifestyle make emergency preparedness critical. With long EMS response times during major incidents or natural disasters, bystanders are often the true first responders. The Stop the Bleed program ensures that more people in our communities can act effectively before professionals arrive, dramatically improving survival rates.

Residents and organizations in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino are increasingly recognizing the importance of this training. Many local businesses and schools now include Stop the Bleed as part of their safety planning — a proactive step that aligns perfectly with California’s growing emphasis on community resilience.

Key Takeaways from Stop the Bleed

• Learn to identify life-threatening bleeding within seconds.
• Master the use of commercial and improvised tourniquets.
• Understand when and how to pack deep wounds using gauze or hemostatic agents.
• Gain confidence to act under pressure in emergencies.
• Contribute to a safer, more prepared community in Southern California.

Join a Training Session or Host One at Your Location

If you’re in Orange County, Los Angeles, or nearby areas, our mobile training team can bring the full Stop the Bleed experience to your business, school, or organization. All equipment and simulation materials are provided, and participants receive certification upon completion. Classes are available by appointment, with flexible scheduling to accommodate daytime or evening sessions.

By participating in Stop the Bleed, you’re not just learning first aid — you’re becoming part of a growing movement to make every community safer and more resilient. The skills you learn could save the life of a coworker, friend, or family member when it matters most.

Schedule Your Training Today

To schedule a class or learn more, visit Stop the Bleed Training California or call (951) 356-6851. We proudly serve all of Southern California, including Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego. Our mission is simple: equip ordinary people with extraordinary skills that save lives.

Stop the Bleed Training California
Taught by Certified EMTs and Tactical Medical Technicians
Serving Orange County and Los Angeles County
By appointment only – on-site training available for groups and organizations