Assemblymember Rodriguez Advances Legislation to Expand ‘STOP THE BLEED’ Training Efforts within California Schools

(Sacramento, CA) – Today, Assembly Bill (AB) 71 passed out of the Committee on Education. This legislation would require the Instructional Quality Commission to consider including content regarding bleeding control the next time the Health Education Curriculum Framework is updated. AB 71 would also require the California Department of Education to post resources on bleeding control on its website.

“As a career first responder, I want to ensure that our future leaders are empowered to help save a life. That is why I authored AB 1719 in 2016 to require CPR training as a high school health curriculum standard. As mass shootings are becoming a tragic reality nationwide, I find it critical that we seriously consider equipping our students with these life-saving skills that will empower them throughout their lifetime,” stated Assemblymember Rodriguez. 

In response to the rise of mass shootings, President Obama launched the “STOP THE BLEED” campaign in 2015. This campaign encourages bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to take life-saving action while EMS personnel are en route. To date, over 2.6 million people have taken Stop the Bleed training, as instructed by the American College of Surgeons.   

Last year, Assemblymember Rodriguez authored AB 2260, which requires newly constructed specified buildings to have at least six trauma kits on their premises while empowering bystanders to render emergency care using a trauma kit. This year, he is expanding that effort through this legislation and AB 70, which would require specified public and private structures that undergo modification or renovation costs over $100,000 to install and maintain trauma kits on its premises. 

As the frequency of mass shootings has tragically increased over the years, other states have also passed legislation to empower their residents to ‘STOP THE BLEED.’ For example, Texas and Indiana have both passed laws to have trauma kits and training in schools. Additionally, Georgia has included the cost of installing kits in schools within its state budget.

“California needs to lead the nation in empowering its residents to be trained to ‘STOP THE BLEED.’ Our young people are growing up in a time when mass shootings are plaguing the nation. As the frequency only continues to increase, it is vital that we empower students to take this training to eliminate preventable deaths from severe bleeding,” added Assemblymember Rodriguez. 

Assemblymember Rodriguez (Twitter) represents the 53rd Assembly District which includes the cities of Chino, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona, and Upland. He is Chair of the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management.