STATEHOUSE (Jan. 24, 2019) – The Indiana House of Representatives today voted in support of legislation co-authored by State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) that would place life-saving kits in schools throughout Indiana.
“Through this legislation, teachers and staff would be trained on how to help give immediate medical attention to those seriously injured,” Barrett said. “As a retired surgeon, I believe the training implemented under the ‘Stop the Bleed’ program could help bystanders step in during an emergency and save lives. This would be an additional tool for our community to ensure the safety and health of our students and staff.”
Barrett said “Stop the Bleed” kits would be placed in schools to be used in the rare event of an emergency. At least five school employees would be trained to use the kits, which include instructional documents, a tourniquet, bandages and other first aid items.
“Stop the Bleed” is a nationwide initiative encouraging bystanders to become trained, equipped and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, uncontrolled bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death among trauma patients.
According to Barrett, the Indiana Hospital Association offered to donate the kits to start the program, and local fire departments have also indicated support for training school employees on how to use the kits. Reid Health has already independently provided kits and training to area schools.
State Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg), a retired firefighter, authored the legislation and helped in navigating the “Stop the Bleed” initiative through the legislative process.
House Bill 1063 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Bradford Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56,
which includes portions of Wayne County.
A high-resolution photo of Barrett can be downloaded by clicking here.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, at the Statehouse discusses the importance of putting life-saving, immediate response kits in schools. As an advocate for the “Stop the Bleed” initiative, Barrett co-authored a proposal for a new law that would task school personnel with being trained to use “Stop the Bleed” kits consisting of instructional documents, a tourniquet, bandages and other items to use in the rare event of an emergency.
