UP Gazette

State Representative Dave Prestin voted in favor of a new plan aimed at helping individuals save lives by preventing blood loss. The bipartisan proposal received strong support in the House. It seeks to offer liability protections for those attempting to stop bleeding and mandates that high school students be taught bleeding control techniques.

“It’s notable that the majority of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle recognize, through their support, the far-reaching, positive impact this bipartisan legislation can have,” stated Prestin, R-Cedar River. “Winter is here – which means road conditions are only going to get worse. When roads get bad, car accidents happen. By passing this legislation, we’ve taken the next step toward equipping the public with the tools and legal protections they need to stop when they find someone in a ditch and provide what could be lifesaving bleeding control techniques.”

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

Prestin and Rheingans sponsored House Bills 5742 and 5743. These bills propose adding bleeding control measures to the state's "Good Samaritan" law, offering legal protection for those who try to save lives during emergencies. Harris introduced House Bill 5741 to require high school health classes to include training on bleeding control methods.

The proposal now awaits further consideration by the Senate.