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Tennessee House Bill Allows Education Agencies to Develop, Implement a Stop the Bleed Program

As we see more states adopt AED legislation, we’re also seeing a rise in bleeding control requirements in public places, such as schools. In 2019, at least 12 states introduced legislation to educate and provide teachers with the tools to respond and save a life during a bleeding emergency. States that have successfully passed such legislation include, Indiana, Texas, Massachusetts, and Tennessee.

Tennessee House Bill 0212

Most recently, our home state of Tennessee passed the Tennessee House Bill 0212 that authorizes Local Education Agencies to work with local law enforcement to develop and implement a “Stop the Bleed” program beginning with the 2021-2022 school year. The program may be implemented in each school and, if implemented, must require:

  • That at least one bleeding control kit is placed in an easily accessible location within each school.
  • That bleeding control kits are included in the district-level safety plans and building-level emergency response plans.
  • That all LEA employees receive training on how to use the bleeding control kit.
  • An annual inspection of each bleeding control kit.
  • An annual school presentation demonstrating where to locate, and how to use, the items contained in a bleeding control kit.
  • School officials to replace, as necessary, any expired or missing materials, supplies, or equipment required for a bleeding control kit.

Federal Legislation in Progress

A bipartisan bill, the “Prevent Blood Loss with Emergency Equipment Devices Act of 2020,” was introduced by Senators Bob Menendez of New Jersey, and John Boozman of Arkansas, to help provide states with the funding to place bleeding control kits in public places across the country, including schools, malls, house of worship and libraries.

This bill authorizes the use of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant funds for certain anti-blood loss purposes. These funds may be used to:

  • Purchase or distribute anti-blood loss supplies (tourniquets, gauze, dressings, or other appropriate materials) for use in medical emergencies in places where people gather
  • Provide training on the proper use of anti-blood loss supplies to enhance public safety
  • Make grants to an eligible entity for such purposes.

Mobilize Rescue Systems

Whether laws are in place or not, we should encourage all schools and public places to be prepared for unexpected accidents, medical incidents, and unfortunate acts of violence.

The first step is making sure that you have the tools and resources you need to respond to these emergencies.  AED.US recommends Mobilize Rescue Systems, rescue kits containing modern medical supplies paired with an interactive app that provides real-time instructions to assist rescuers. These kits are strategically crafted to cover the most common, critical emergencies beyond severe bleeding, including CPR, unconsciousness, breathing complications, and more. Don’t get any ordinary bleeding control kit for your school, home, or office, get a kit today!

Sources

  • LA State Legislature. “Louisiana State Legislature.” https://www.legis.la.gov. 12 August 2021
  • Commonwealth of Massachusetts. “Massachusetts Laws and Regulations.” https://malegislature.gov. 12 August 2021
  • Tennessee General Assembly. “Tennessee General Assembly.” https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov. 12 August 2021
  • United States Senate. “U.S. Senate: Bills, Acts, and Laws.” https://www.senate.gov. 12 August 2021

Blaire Czarneicki, AED.US Customer Service Director, posing for a headshot. Written by Blaire Czarniecki

Customer Service Director

Blaire attended the University of Tennessee where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology- Child and Family Studies. She has been in the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) industry for over eight years and is the Director of Customer Service for Coro Medical. Blaire is also an American Red Cross-certified CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor, highly trained by each manufacturer on their specific AEDs, and knowledgeable regarding ALL State AED regulations and legislation.“I know that every day I come to work, I am playing a part in saving someone’s life. I am passionate about these devices and am always looking for new and innovative ways to spread awareness and knowledge about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). I look forward to the day when everywhere I go, I will see an AED—when SCA will no longer take any lives.”

Last updated August 12th, 2021.