Legislation would require Indiana schools to create 'Stop the Bleed' program

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – A bill moving through the Indiana legislature would require a lifesaving initiative called “Stop the Bleed” to be taught in schools across the state.

“Stop the Bleed” teaches what to do in an emergency situation where there could be a lot of blood loss like a school shooting.

Uncontrolled bleeding is the number one cause of preventable death from trauma.

HB 1063 passed the Indiana House and now awaits a committee assignment in the Indiana Senate.

The legislation, introduced by Representative Randy Frye, requires any public or public charter school in Indiana to create a “Stop the Bleed” program and train at least five people in each school on the technique. Additionally, schools would receive three “Stop the Bleed” emergency kits.

Partnerships with a few organizations would provide the training and kits to schools for free.  

“This is to actually make the difference when it comes to the period of time between the injury and the first responders arriving,” said Frye. “In a lot of cases, people have already expired and that’s something that we believe we can make a big difference.”

Some schools in Michiana have a program like this already in place.

PHM Schools purchased 19 “Stop the Bleed” kits in November 2018. According to a district spokeswoman, all PHM employees receive CPA/ AED training. The “Stop the Bleed” concept is addressed in this training, but no formal training with the staff has been completed at this time.

First responders in Michiana say “Stop the Bleed” is an effective way to save lives.

The first step is to call 911 and alert authorities.

Next, find the source of the bleeding. It’s recommended to open or remove clothing over the wound so it can be seen clearly.

The last step is to compress. There are a number of methods that can be used and they all involve compressing a bleeding blood vessel in order to stop the bleeding.

If there isn’t a trauma first aid kit, officials say to cover the wound with a clean cloth apply direct pressure. If the wound is large and deep, try to stuff the cloth into the wound. First responders say continue to hold pressure until emergency responders arrive.

If there is a trauma first aid kit available, there are a few options depending on what part of the body is injured.

For life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg, first responders recommend using a tourniquet. Tourniquets should be wrapped two to three times on the injured arm or leg above the joint nearest to the bleeding site. For example, if there’s a gunshot wound to the calf, the tourniquet should be applied above the knee.

When it comes to injuries on other parts of the body, or if a tourniquet isn’t available, officials say to pack the wound with gauze or a clean cloth and apply direct pressure.

To find out more about Stop the Bleed click here.

To find out more about House Bill 1063 click here.