UP Gazette

State Representatives Dave Prestin, Carrie Rheingans, and Mike Harris introduced a bipartisan plan on Thursday aimed at saving lives by preventing blood loss. The legislation proposes liability protections for individuals attempting to stop bleeding wounds and mandates bleeding control education for high school students. The announcement coincided with "Stop the Bleed Day," recognized by the House of Representatives through a resolution introduced by Prestin.

"Seconds count when someone has a major injury," said Prestin, R-Cedar River, who has over 13 years of experience as a first responder. "A person can bleed out of a major artery within two minutes. Regular people can be the difference between someone dying on the side of the road and getting to see their family again. Anyone willing to help should be able to act quickly without worrying about potential legal liabilities."

Prestin and Rheingans sponsored House Bills 5742 and 5743, which propose extending the state's Good Samaritan law to include bleeding control efforts. This law currently provides legal protection for administering opioid antagonists, CPR, and other emergency responses but would now cover actions taken to stop bleeding unless gross negligence or willful misconduct is involved.

"In an emergency, quick work to prevent blood loss can be the difference between life and death, and people shouldn’t have to think twice before attempting bleeding control," said Rheingans, D-Ann Arbor. "Good Samaritans who stop the bleed shouldn’t face lawsuits for their noble efforts. Our bipartisan plan will empower bystanders to take action and save lives."

Harris sponsored House Bill 5741, which would integrate bleeding control training into high school health courses. This instruction would include hands-on training with tourniquets, bandages, and other first aid equipment as part of the Michigan Merit Curriculum's health education requirement.

"Everyone can and should be ready to step in during an emergency, stop the bleed, and save a life," said Harris, R-Waterford, a retired police sergeant and former EMT. "Proper training equips people with the knowledge and experience to apply bleeding control when the need arises. Incorporating this training into high school health classes will help students learn bleeding control and get hands-on training while they’re young so they’ll be up to the task if they ever need to stop a bleed."

House Resolution 267 designates May 23, 2024, as Stop the Bleed Day in Michigan. The national Stop the Bleed campaign aims to raise awareness about bleeding control tactics through educational initiatives.

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