Catastrophic Bleeding & Trauma First Aid
SIGTA’s Catastrophic Bleeding and Trauma First Aid course equips learners with the skills, confidence and awareness needed to respond effectively to life‑threatening bleeding and traumatic incidents.
Severe bleeding can be fatal within minutes. This practical half‑day course focuses on rapid assessment, immediate bleeding control and effective casualty support, alongside understanding how the human body and mind respond during high‑stress emergencies.
The course is designed to complement existing first aid training and is particularly relevant for higher‑risk workplaces where serious injury is a possibility.
On satisfactory completion and final assessment of the course a certificate vaild for three years will be issued.
Course Overview
This specialist course focuses on two critical areas of emergency response:
- Managing catastrophic bleeding as an immediate, lifesaving priority
- Understanding and managing the physical and psychological impact of traumatic incidents
Delegates learn how to assess an emergency situation, prioritise actions, control severe bleeding, and support casualties until emergency services arrive. The course also introduces techniques to manage stress responses during and after an incident, helping individuals remain effective in difficult conditions.
Training is delivered using a combination of clear explanation, demonstration and supervised practical activity.
This course is designed to support employers in meeting their first aid responsibilities and aligns with current Health & Safety Executive (HSE) guidance for workplace first aid training.
During this course you will learn to:
Recognise and prioritise life‑threatening emergencies
- Identify the different types of external bleeding
- Understand why catastrophic bleeding must be treated as an immediate lifesaving priority
- Apply a structured approach to casualty care using DRCABCD
Control catastrophic bleeding
- Use direct pressure effectively to control bleeding
- Safely apply a tourniquet, including the correct use of a CAT tourniquet
- Create and apply an improvised tourniquet when specialist equipment is not available
- Pack wounds correctly using both standard and haemostatic dressings
Manage trauma and secondary risks
- Recognise the signs and dangers of shock and provide appropriate treatment
- Identify the symptoms of internal bleeding and understand when urgent escalation is required
- Identify and manage penetrating chest wounds, with and without the use of chest seals
Provide life support and emergency coordination
- Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in line with recognised first aid guidance
- Communicate effectively with emergency services and manage the scene until help arrives
Trauma awareness and coping strategies
The course also addresses how traumatic incidents affect individuals during and after an emergency. Learners gain awareness of stress responses that can influence perception, decision‑making and performance.
Delegates are introduced to practical coping strategies, including controlled breathing techniques such as 4x4 breathing, to help regulate stress during high‑pressure situations. The course also provides an introduction to post‑incident stress and PTSD awareness, supporting both personal wellbeing and effective recovery following traumatic events.
Practical elements
This course includes supervised, hands‑on practice to build confidence and competence in emergency response. Practical sessions focus on safe, proportionate techniques and are delivered in a supportive learning environment.
Learners practise:
- Bleeding control techniques using dressings and tourniquets
- Wound packing methods
- Casualty positioning and monitoring
- Coordinating practical response while awaiting emergency services
All practical content is delivered within recognised first aid principles and workplace safety expectations.
This course is ideal for employees working in environments where there is an increased risk of serious injury, including those involving machinery, vehicles or physical hazards. It is designed as a specialist top‑up to existing First Aid at Work or Emergency First Aid at Work training.
Your course will be delivered by one of SIGTA’s experienced first aid instructors. Each bringing real‑world emergency‑response knowledge and a supportive teaching style to help you build confidence and competence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should first aid training be refreshed?
First aid at work certificates are valid for 3 years and a 2 day first aid requalification / refresher course must be completed before expiry of the current certificate, or a full First Aid at work course would need to be completed.
Does first aid training include practical, hands‑on learning?
Yes. All SIGTA first aid courses include practical, supervised exercises. Learners practise core first aid skills in a supportive environment to build confidence, competence and the ability to act calmly in real‑world situations.
Who are SIGTA first aid courses suitable for?
SIGTA first aid courses are suitable for employees who may need to respond to illness, injury or emergency situations in the workplace. Courses are designed for a wide range of environments, from low‑risk offices to higher‑risk settings such as manufacturing, engineering and childcare.
Do I need previous first aid experience?
No previous first aid experience is required for most SIGTA first aid courses. Training is structured, practical and suitable for learners of all confidence levels. Some courses are designed as refreshers or requalification programmes, and this will be clearly stated in the course description.
Are SIGTA first aid courses recognised and compliant?
Yes. SIGTA first aid training is delivered in line with recognised workplace first aid principles and expectations. Courses are designed to help employers meet their health and safety responsibilities and ensure first aid provision is appropriate for workplace risk.
First Aid Training Built on Nationally Recognised Standards
All SIGTA First Aid courses are aligned with the nationally accepted first aid framework. Our instructors follow guidance set by leading authorities and ensure learners gain the skills and confidence needed to respond effectively in real‑life emergencies.
Why Choose SIGTA
First Aid Training Near You
SIGTA provides professional First Aid at Work training across the South East and UK, with easy‑access venues and onsite training options for employers.
Trusted Provider
We deliver reliable, compliant first aid training that meets workplace safety standards, ensuring your team is equipped with practical, up‑to‑date skills.
Aligned to National Standards
Our First Aid at Work courses follow nationally recognised guidance, giving learners the confidence and competence to respond effectively in real emergencies.
Our Commitment to Quality
SIGTA upholds strict quality standards across all training, with ongoing instructor development and continuous course evaluation to ensure reliable, high-quality first aid training you can trust.
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SIGTA is a not for profit organisation
“Working with schools, youth organisations and local employers to increase participation in apprenticeships, we are committed to promoting and delivering high quality training programmes.”
Alison Foxwell, CEO
Our First Aid Course Training Centre in Sussex
SIGTA’s primary training centre in Shoreham-by-Sea provides a modern, well-equipped environment for practical first aid learning.
With dedicated training spaces, demonstration areas and onsite support, learners experience realistic scenarios and structured guidance.