State Rep. Mike Harris’ bipartisan plan to promote “Stop the Bleed” training and emergency intervention is headed to the House floor.

The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday unanimously approved House Bills 5741-5743, which would teach high school students proper bleeding control techniques and provide liability protections for people who attempt to save lives by preventing blood loss. Harris, a retired police sergeant and former EMT, celebrated the committee support.

“After an injury, prompt intervention to apply pressure to a wound and stop blood loss saves people’s lives,” said Harris, R-Waterford. “Everyone should know the best first aid tactics so they’ll be prepared in an emergency. That’s why our bipartisan plan will require students to learn how to stop the bleed while still in high school. Our plan will also prevent frivolous lawsuits against the good people who responsibly try to save lives. By providing training and legal protection, we’ll encourage Michiganders to do their part to step in and help their neighbors until first responders arrive.”

Harris’ HB 5741 would require high school health courses to include instruction on how to stop bleeding using tourniquets, bandages, and other equipment in first aid response kits. Under the Michigan Merit Curriculum, students must complete a half-credit in health to graduate high school.

HBs 5742 and 5743, introduced by Reps. Carrie Rheingans, D-Ann Arbor, and Dave Prestin, R-Cedar River, would add bleeding control to the state’s Good Samaritan law, which protects individuals from legal liability for attempting to save lives in certain emergencies. The law currently applies to administration of an opioid antagonist, CPR, and other emergency response situations. A person would still be liable for acts and omissions that amount to gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct.

The plan promoting bleeding control aligns with the national Stop the Bleed campaign, which raises awareness and facilitates training about bleeding control tactics.