RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia has taken a major step toward improving school emergency preparedness by requiring bleeding control kits in all public elementary and high schools.
House Bill 1700, signed into law March 21 by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, mandates that Stop the Bleed kits be stored in easily accessible locations at all public elementary and high schools in Virginia. The law also requires local school boards to implement a bleeding control program. Placement of the kits will be coordinated with division safety officials or local first responders to ensure rapid access during an emergency.
The legislation received backing from the American College of Surgeons (ACS), which has led national efforts to promote bleeding control education and access. According to ACS, hemorrhage is one of the most common causes of preventable death after injury — and rapid intervention before EMS arrival can mean the difference between life and death.
How we Stop the Bleed
ACS Stop the Bleed kits typically include gauze, a tourniquet and an instructional booklet designed to guide bystanders through bleeding control steps. The ACS Stop the Bleed program is the largest global initiative of its kind, with millions trained since its launch in 2015. The program’s foundation was built on recommendations from the Hartford Consensus, a collaborative of trauma and emergency experts formed after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
With the passage of HB 1700, Virginia becomes the 15th state to enact legislation requiring bleeding control equipment in schools or other public settings, according to the Stop the Bleed Coalition. Other states with similar laws include Texas, Indiana, Arkansas and Georgia.
In a statement released by ACS, Dr. Jason P. Wilson, chair of the Issues Committee for the Virginia Chapter of the ACS, said, “By making Stop the Bleed kits available in schools throughout Virginia, this legislation marks a significant step forward in empowering students and staff to respond to bleeding emergencies and save lives.”
The law reflects a growing recognition that bleeding emergencies can occur anywhere — not just in mass casualty incidents, but also from playground accidents, athletic injuries or traffic-related incidents near schools.
EMS professionals are often the next link in the chain after bystanders intervene, making early bleeding control a critical bridge until advanced care arrives.
To learn more about the Stop the Bleed program or to find training opportunities, visit stopthebleed.org.
