UP Gazette

State Representative Dave Prestin announced that his bipartisan initiative to help prevent blood loss in emergencies has passed the House Judiciary Committee with unanimous support. The proposed legislation aims to provide liability protections for individuals assisting with bleeding wounds and ensure high school students are educated in bleeding control techniques.

"When a victim is experiencing major blood loss, death can be minutes away. There isn’t time for a potential savior to search online about how to stop blood loss. It's important for everyone to know blood loss control techniques and the rules about assisting at the scene of an accident before first responders arrive," said Prestin, R-Cedar River. "Our Stop the Bleed plan ensures the general public has the education and legal protections they need to act without hesitation during an emergency."

Prestin collaborated with state Representatives Mike Harris, R-Waterford, and Carrie Rheingans, D-Ann Arbor, on this legislative effort.

Prestin and Rheingans sponsored House Bills 5742 and 5743. These bills propose adding bleeding control measures to Michigan's "Good Samaritan" law, which currently offers legal protection for actions like administering an opioid antagonist or performing CPR during emergencies. However, individuals would still be accountable for gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Harris introduced House Bill 5741, which mandates that high school health courses include instruction on bleeding control techniques. The bill also promotes hands-on training with tourniquets, bandages, and other first aid equipment. According to the Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements, students must earn a half-credit in health education to graduate.

The plan now advances to the full House for further deliberation.