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Missouri’s General Assembly has enacted SB 68, known as the STOP THE BLEED Act, with overwhelming bipartisan backing.
Signed into law in July, this legislation strengthens the state’s dedication to emergency preparedness by ensuring schools are equipped to respond to traumatic bleeding incidents.
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) praised the passage of this bill, calling it a vital step in empowering everyday citizens to save lives during emergencies.
Grassroots Advocacy Paves the Way
Dr. Douglas J. E. Schuerer, Chair of the Missouri ACS Committee on Trauma (MO COT) and Professor of Surgery at Washington University in St. Louis, played a pivotal role in championing the bill. He credited the years of local grassroots work by trauma programs across Missouri for bringing the legislation to life.
“This was a group effort. Progress was slow, but ultimately effective and strongly bipartisan,” Schuerer noted.
Key Provisions of the STOP THE BLEED Act (SB 68)
- Schools must create protocols to manage traumatic blood loss emergencies.
- Bleeding control kits—containing bandages, gloves, and tourniquets—must be installed in all schools.
- Each school must assign at least one staff member to undergo annual bleeding control training.
- The law provides Good Samaritan protection to school employees using bleeding kits in good faith.
Building on Prior Safety Measures
This law expands upon earlier initiatives such as HB 14 (2023), which provided school safety grants for resources including automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and bleeding control supplies.
In the U.S., bleeding injuries remain a leading cause of preventable death. The STOP THE BLEED campaign educates individuals on how to respond before emergency personnel arrive, emphasizing three key actions:
- Apply direct pressure to the wound
- Pack the wound with gauze or cloth
- Use a tourniquet, if necessary
About the STOP THE BLEED Program
The ACS STOP THE BLEED initiative is the world’s largest bleeding control training program, created by experts in trauma and emergency care.
The program has shaped state and national laws aimed at public preparedness and continues to deliver life-saving skills to communities across the globe. Visit stopthebleed.org to learn more.
About the American College of Surgeons
Founded in 1913, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) is the world’s largest surgical organization, with over 90,000 members.
The ACS promotes the highest standards in surgical care and serves as a leading voice in patient safety and professional ethics.
The designation FACS stands for Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a mark of excellence and competency in the field of surgery.
The passage of SB 68 marks a critical milestone in Missouri’s school safety efforts, ensuring students and staff are better prepared for emergency bleeding incidents.
With strong support from healthcare leaders and policymakers, the STOP THE BLEED Act empowers educators to act swiftly and effectively—saving lives when every second counts.