Can You Stop the Bleed?

Two minutes. Maybe three; four if you’re lucky — that’s all the time you have to treat a serious hemorrhage before it’s fatal. The fact that a person can bleed out in just two to four minutes is proof of how important it is to know how to stop massive bleeding.

While reading a blog article cannot adequately equip you to treat a life-threatening injury like severe hemorrhage (you need hands-on, scenario-based training for that), the information in this article provides a good starting point.

The effectiveness of basic hemorrhage control

Did you know that basic hemorrhage control techniques could prevent 60% of fatalities in an event? That means, statistically speaking, that if an active shooter walked into your workplace, school, or religious facility, and 5 people were shot, you could potentially save three of them.

While three lives saved isn’t five, it’s much better than zero, which is likely the number of people you would be prepared to treat without any training or knowledge of how to stop massive bleeding.

Good Samaritan Laws

Many civilians worry that treating a person in an emergency could result in legal ramifications afterward. However, thanks to Good Samaritan Laws, you can treat victims facing life-threatening injuries without fear of liability as long as:

  • Care was given as the result of the emergency
  • Care was not provided by the same individual who initiated the emergency or injury
  • Care was not provided recklessly

If a bleeding victim is unconscious, consent for treatment is implied, and failure to at least call for help is in many states considered negligence.

Training to save lives

Investing three hours of your life in emergency medical response training could save another life — perhaps even your own. It’s not enough to have a Bleeding Control Kit on hand; you must also know how to use the tools inside.

With the right training you can have the knowledge and confidence you need to apply a tourniquet or pack a would in an emergency. Click on the banner below to contact us about training opportunities today.

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Jim Tapscott

Instructor

Jim served as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Illinois for 30 years. During his time as a Deputy, Jim served on the SWAT team as an operator, team leader and Commander. Jim was involved in several barricaded gunman/hostage incidents as well as service of high risk arrest and search warrants.

Jim was a member of the US Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force where he performed surveillance and fugitive apprehension. His team was responsible for thousands of high risk felony fugitive arrests. Jim also served in the patrol division where he earned the rank of Sergeant and was responsible for patrol operations. Jim received numerous awards throughout his career to include Deputy of the Year, medal of valor and unit citation for SWAT operations.

Jim was a state certified CQB (Close Quarter Battle) SWAT instructor as well as an Active Shooter Response instructor, providing training for multiple law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Illinois.

Jimmy Pregel

Medical Instructor

I’m a proven leader with a diverse background in defense, law enforcement, and emergency response. My career began as a Scout Sniper in the U.S. Marine Corps, where I earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. I then served as a security contractor in Afghanistan and Iraq, further developing my tactical and crisis management skills.

Domestically, I served as a Deputy for the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, earning a Medal of Valor, and as a firefighter, where I was awarded a Life Saving Ribbon. These roles reflect my commitment to safety and service, demonstrating leadership under pressure and a passion for protecting others.

As part of the Proactive Response Group Team, I design and deliver comprehensive medical training, developing lesson plans and conducting hands-on sessions. I ensure that participants are equipped with essential medical skills, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and readiness. My role is vital in preparing our team to handle medical emergencies confidently and competently.

Chris Taylor

Instructor

Chris is a retired Major from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina. Chris was third in command over operations, overseeing more than 300 sworn Deputies as well as all special teams within the Sheriff’s Office. In 2012, Chris helped to organize a Dignitary Protection Team within the Sheriff’s Office that assisted the Secret Service with Presidential and Vice Presidential visits throughout the state. In addition to his normal duties, Chris performs private security for dignitaries, celebrities, as well as 12 years with the Miss America Organization. Chris has been instructing Active shooter Response with ProActive Response Group since 2021.

In his down time, Chris enjoys time with his wife and daughter, as well as watching sports and fishing.

Tyrie Fowler

Instructor

Tyrie Fowler is an Active Shooter Response instructor at Proactive Response Group and an Emergency Medicine Trauma Nurse at Prisma Health in Greenville. A Greenville native, Tyrie earned his Exercise Science degree from the University of South Carolina and his nursing degree from Mary Black School of Nursing. He joined Greenville Health System in 2015, transitioning from Orthopedic Trauma to Emergency Medicine. At Prisma Health, a Level One Trauma Center, he is part of the Trauma Nurse Leader team, with training in Advanced Trauma Care (ATCN) and Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC). Tyrie is pursuing certifications in Emergency Nursing (CEN) and Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN).

Tyrie enjoys Fall for its long runs, college football (Go Gamecocks!), and hunting, including deer and quail. He also loves smoking recipes with a creative twist. As a medical instructor, Tyrie empowers bystanders to provide critical assistance in emergencies, teaching them to control bleeding and manage injuries, ensuring they leave his class confident in making a difference.

Steven Anderson

Instructor

Steven J. Anderson is currently an Active Shooter Response Instructor for ProActive Response Group; he enjoys empowering people to survive in life threatening situations. Steve grew up in central Minnesota and spent three years with the United States Army. He graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. Steve worked as a federal agent for the United States Border Patrol where he was a member of the U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC): completing multiple assignments in Central & South America, an assignment with the United Nations and the Deputy Director (A) of the National Air Security Operation Center. In 2020 he retired from working in Federal Law Enforcement.

In his spare time he enjoys the outdoors especially bow hunting. Steve is a proud husband and father to 3 wonderful daughters.

Rob Christian

Instructor, Sales

Rob is originally from Louisville, CO. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2003 and served as a Combat Engineer Officer until 2012. Rob deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009 and 2010 where he planned and implemented force protection strategy, counter improvised explosive device operations, and mobility operations for Third Battalion Sixth Marine Regiment and Third Battalion Seventh Marine Regiment . Upon his departure from the military, Rob began to teach firearms and tactics with Arizona based Alpine Arms while simultaneously running his own small residential security consulting firm. Rob relocated the South Carolina in 2021 and joined ProActive Response Group in early 2023.

When not working Rob spends time with his wife Lindsey and son Theo. He enjoys stand up paddle boarding, visiting the rifle range, four wheeling, and camping.

Can You Stop the Bleed?

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Founder

Chad Ayers

Chad Ayers served as Sheriff’s Deputy for Greenville County in South Carolina for 12 years. He has worked undercover in multiple state and federal investigations and in high-pressure environments, including active shooter events and hostage negotiations. Chad was a member of the SWAT team, where he served as assistant team leader and also assisted in the creation and implementation of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office active shooter response program. Chad starred in season one of A&E TV’s Emmy-winning documentary LIVEPD and is a frequent guest commentator for FOX News, Law & Crime Network, and On Patrol Live.

Founder

Andy Sexton

Andy Sexton spent 12 years with the Greenville County Sheriff’s office in South Carolina, where he held the rank of Uniform Patrol Sergeant. His experience includes serving as an assistant SWAT team leader, involvement in high-risk incidents, including hostage rescues and the protection of dignitaries, working in criminal investigations (including armed robbery and homicide), and serving on the training committee for the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office.

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