Battle Creek Times

State Representative Steve Frisbie has announced progress on his Stop the Bleed legislative package, which aims to protect individuals who assist in emergencies and expand bleeding-control training in Michigan schools. House Bill 4847, introduced by Frisbie on September 4, has moved through the House Health Policy Committee and is now set for a second reading on the House floor.

The bill proposes updates to Michigan’s Good Samaritan law, offering civil immunity to those who apply bleeding-control techniques such as direct pressure, dressings, wound packing, or tourniquet use before emergency responders arrive.

“As a firefighter and paramedic, I know how fast a person can bleed out and how much those first minutes matter,” Frisbie said. “This legislation gives people the confidence to act, protects Good Samaritans who step in to save a life, and helps schools teach practical, lifesaving skills.”

HB 4847 is connected with two other bills: HB 4108 would establish a new Good Samaritan section specifically for bleeding-control aid; HB 4107 seeks to improve school training by encouraging hands-on instruction for students in grades 7 through 12 and ensuring that first-aid kits contain appropriate bleeding-control tools.

The legislative package has received bipartisan support in committee. Organizations backing the initiative include Stop the Bleed, the Michigan Trauma Coalition, the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, and the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association. The full House will consider the bills next.