Trending Topics

Mo. ‘Stop the Bleed Act’ requires bleeding control kits, training in schools

The law requires annual training and emergency protocols to treat traumatic injuries before EMS arrives

FR1 Affiliate images - 2025-07-30T122255.035.jpg

Missouri State Capitol.

Wikipedia

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri has enacted a new law requiring schools to stock bleeding control kits and train staff to respond to traumatic injuries — a move aimed at improving emergency preparedness and saving lives before first responders arrive.

The Stop the Bleed Act (SB 68), signed into law in July with strong bipartisan support, expands on Missouri’s earlier efforts to improve emergency preparedness, such as HB 14 (2023), which funded school safety initiatives, including bleeding control kits and AEDs. The American College of Surgeons, which advocated for the legislation, praised lawmakers for strengthening public access to lifesaving tools and training.

| WATCH NOW: On demand: Bringing whole blood to the front lines of EMS

“Getting this bill passed was a group effort of the Missouri ACS Committee on Trauma (MO COT). As the MO COT chair, I cannot be prouder of all of our trauma programs. We’ve had local grassroots work going on for several years, and that persistence paid off,” bill advocate Douglas J. E. Schuerer, MD, FACS said. “Although this took time, it shows that progress may be slow but can be very effective. In the end, this bill had broad bipartisan support.”

The key elements of the law:

  • Requires schools to develop a protocol for responding to traumatic blood loss
  • Mandates bleeding control kits in schools, equipped with bandages, gloves, and tourniquets
  • Requires at least one staff member per school to receive annual bleeding control training
  • Grants Good Samaritan protections to school personnel who use a bleeding control kit in good faith
Trending
Check out these EMS tattoos and share your EMS body art
Insulated, smart, and high-capacity bottles designed to help first responders beat dehydration on shift and beyond
RAA’s Mark Tenia shares advice for connecting your messaging with your audience to promote community support
Firefighter/Paramedic Jerry Guzman was assigned to Station 32 in Azusa
Company News
The ongoing crisis, still crashing after all these years

Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.