House Committee Approves Frye's "Stop The Bleed" Bill

Life-saving medical supplies to help traumatic injury victims could soon be required in Indiana schools.

State Rep. Randy Frye. Photo provided.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - The House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee supported State Rep. Randy Frye’s (R-Greensburg) legislation that would place life-saving kits in public schools.

"Throughout my years as a firefighter, I learned that every minute counts in emergency situations,” said Frye, chair of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. “After our own state experienced two school shootings last year, it has become vital we ensure schools have equipment immediately available to treat potentially life-threatening wounds. This is an important precaution to protect students and educators while they are at school.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, uncontrolled post-trauma bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death among trauma patients. “Stop the Bleed” is a nationwide initiative that provides first-aid kits to help in emergency situations.

In an effort to save lives, Frye authored legislation that would place “Stop the Bleed” kits in public schools to be used in the rare event of an emergency. School personnel would be trained to use the kits, which consist of instructional documents, a tourniquet, bandages and other items.

Frye said the kits would be mounted on a wall near AED’s, or automated external defibrillators.

According to Frye, this is one of several pieces of legislation focused on improving school safety making its way through the legislative process.

“Indiana has been highlighted as a national leader for implementing and investing in school safety policies,” Frye said. “My proposal is just one way lawmakers are working to keep students and educators safe in the event of a rare and unexpected school emergency.”

House Bill 1063 now moves to the full House of Representatives for further consideration. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.