EVANS, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill to train educators in “Stop the Bleed” for emergency, life-saving situations to make our schools safer.
“The more teachers and staff we can prepare for emergency situations, the more likely we are to save a life,” said School Psychologist Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Time is precious in any emergency. This bipartisan law ensures teachers, staff and older students have the proper “Stop the Bleed” training and materials they need to respond effectively and efficiently to save lives.”
“As a father and a nurse, I know the seconds matter when somebody is bleeding,” said Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton. “Stop the Bleed is an important program to save lives in our schools and raise awareness about this easy to learn, life-saving technique.”
HB23-1213, sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Mary Bradfield and Senator Kyle Mullica requires the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to distribute “Stop the Bleed” kits and training materials to K-12 schools that opt into the program. Bleed control kits and training resources contain first-aid materials for treating blood loss in traumatic injuries. This law aims to better prepare educators and staff for emergency situations by providing life-saving materials accompanied by training to help keep people alive.
“Stop the Bleed” is a straightforward, standardized set of training materials and recommendations for everyday people caring for someone experiencing excessive bleeding through applying pressure to the wound and tying tourniquets for those trained to act quickly in emergency situations.