Lawmakers Push Public Schools To Carry 'Stop the Bleed' Kits

Some lawmakers want to require all Indiana public schools to have first aid trauma kits and train staff to use them.

The bill’s author Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg) says these “Stop the Bleed” kits and training could save lives. 

"In the event of the worst case scenario, those on site can address the bleeding immediately," Frye says. "We know that someone could in case of an active shooter, for instance, bleed to death before their first responder can arrive." 

The 45-minute training course would teach people to stop someone from bleeding to death, which doctors say can happen within three to five minutes.

The Indiana Hospital Association already agreed to donate three kits to every Indiana public school, and two Indiana firefighters associations agreed to provide free training.

"Of more importance really is the training that goes with this because you can use a necktie, a belt, a T-shirt, anything to put pressure compress and apply a tourniquet to stop bleeding," the bill's co-author and surgeon Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) says. 

The kits contain gauze, tourniquet, survival blanket, gloves and an ink pen. 

The bill passed the House unanimously and is now moving through the Senate.