Abstract: Disclosed is an inflatable bladder and a pressure plate which may be selectively positioned to hold the bladder so as to apply pressure to a blood vessel, for example. The bladder includes two sheets of flexible, non-elastic material. Expansion of the bladder may occur by inflation to separate the two sheets and press them outwardly against the pressure plate and the area of the subject to be compressed. An adjustable holder maintains the pressure plate in position. Pressure within the bladder may be monitored as an indication of the pressure exerted against the subject. Both the bladder and the pressure plate may be generally transparent to permit visual inspection and monitoring of the area being compressed.