Waterford Today

The Michigan House of Representatives has approved a bipartisan plan led by state Rep. Mike Harris to promote "Stop the Bleed" training and emergency intervention. The legislation, consisting of House Bills 5741-5743, aims to teach high school students proper bleeding control techniques and provide liability protections for those who attempt to prevent blood loss.

Rep. Mike Harris, R-Waterford, a retired police sergeant and former EMT, emphasized the importance of such training: “During my career as a law enforcement officer and emergency medical technician, I’ve witnessed firsthand the vital importance of Stop the Bleed training,” he said. “Our bipartisan plan will teach people how to Stop the Bleed and protect the everyday heroes who do just that.”

House Bill 5741 mandates that high school health courses include instruction on using tourniquets, bandages, and other first aid equipment. Under the Michigan Merit Curriculum, students are required to complete a half credit in health to graduate.

Harris highlighted the effectiveness of prompt intervention: “The science is clear: Prompt intervention saves lives,” he stated. “Incorporating Stop the Bleed training into our schools would equip students across the state with these life-saving skills.”

House Bills 5742 and 5743 were introduced by Reps. Carrie Rheingans, D-Ann Arbor, and Dave Prestin, R-Cedar River. These bills propose adding bleeding control measures to Michigan’s Good Samaritan law. This would protect individuals from legal liability when attempting to save lives during emergencies unless their actions amount to gross negligence or willful misconduct.

“These bills will encourage people to intervene and Stop the Bleed without fear,” Harris explained. “When Good Samaritans step in to stop blood loss, they shouldn’t be putting themselves in legal jeopardy.”

The proposed legislation aligns with the national Stop the Bleed campaign aimed at raising awareness about bleeding control tactics. Following its passage in the House with significant bipartisan support, the bills now move forward for consideration by the Senate.