Your browser's Javascript functionality is turned off. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site.

Learn About Our Programs

First Aid for Severe Trauma™ (FAST™)

A person can die from severe blood loss in less than 5 minutes. Would you know what to do if faced with a life-threatening bleeding emergency?

Learn bleeding control skills with First Aid for Severe Trauma (FAST), a national STOP THE BLEED^® course from the American Red Cross. While FAST is available for anyone, the course and digital materials will be offered at no charge to high school students under the age of 19.

FAST Course Content

Motorcycle accident first aid performed by high school student

FAST is the first national STOP THE BLEED^® course designed specifically for high school students, but anyone can take the course and benefit from the training.

You can save a life: Preparing for bleeding emergencies; recognizing that a bleeding emergency exists; emergency action steps; deciding to act in an emergency.

Safety in emergency situations: Keeping yourself safe in an emergency; helping others to safety; violent situations.

Communicating in emergency situations: Communication basics; communicating with others at the scene; communicating with the emergency dispatcher.

Caring for a person with life-threatening bleeding: Using pressure to stop bleeding; applying direct pressure; using a tourniquet; after the bleeding stops.

ORGANIZATIONS BEHIND THE COURSE

American Red Cross

National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health

Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate

HOSA - Future Health Professionals

U.S. Department of Defense, STOP THE BLEED^® Program

Course Specifications

135 minutes total.

135-minute course consists of instruction and skills- and scenario-based learning.

90-minute online portion may be given as homework; 45 minutes in the classroom for skills- and scenario-based learning.

90-minute course results in a completion certificate (not certification).

FAST was designed for high school students; however, students from middle school upwards and adults can take the course and benefit from the course material.

One instructor may teach up to 24 students in one class.

Thanks to grant support from the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, the course and digital materials will be offered at no charge to high school students under the age of 19.

Training providers should fill out this webform to be contacted about pricing for non-high school students.

Digital materials (instructor manual, participant handbook, ready reference cards) available as free downloads.

Course videos available at no cost for downloading, streaming or embedded within the course presentation, and a DVD is available through the Red Cross Store and in the Classroom Kit for a fee.

Training supplies for skills- and scenario-based learning required. Classroom Kits are available through the Red Cross Store.

FAST Classroom Kit

An in-person psychomotor skills session is necessary to build the muscle memory required to finalize a participant's training. Participants will need to practice using both direct pressure and a tourniquet.

The Red Cross has built a FAST Classroom Kit containing the following elements and suitable for up to 24 students.

6 tourniquets
1 First Aid for Severe Trauma Instructor's Manual
1 First Aid for Severe Trauma DVD
24 First Aid for Severe Trauma Ready Reference Cards

Become an Instructor

Red Cross instuctor at First Aid for Severe Trauma training

The FAST program has three Instructor training options:

The free Instructor Bridge is for individuals who are current, certified Instructors from the Red Cross or other approved training agencies who have been trained in the use of tourniquets.
The Instructor Crossover with Skills Session is for individuals who are current, certified Red Cross Instructors or other approved training agencies but have not been trained in the use of tourniquets.
The full Instructor course is for individuals who are first-time Instructors or do not have credentials as instructors or professional educators. This is only available through approved Red Cross training providers.

Add FAST to Your School's Curriculum

High school students walking to trauma first aid training

Your school will need to become a Red Cross training provider in order to access our Learning Management System and add this program to your school’s curriculum. Complete this webform and information about becoming a Red Cross training provider for the FAST program will be sent to you.

FAST for Your Workplace or Community

Man applying pressure to stop bleeding in FAST first aid training

While the course and digital materials will be provided without charge to high school students under the age of 19, there will be a charge for classes taught to others. If you are already a Red Cross training provider, ask that the FAST program be added to your agreement. To become a Red Cross training provider, complete this webform and information will be sent to you.

Get More Information

What is Life-threatening Bleeding? Blood flows continuously; Blood is squirting; Blood equal to one-half can of soda on the ground; Blood is pooling

Download the information below for details on the FAST program. Share the marketing materials with others to empower and inform.

STOP THE BLEED® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency. All rights reserved. © DoD. The American Red Cross’s STOP THE BLEED® program is operated pursuant to a licensing agreement granted it by the Department of Defense.