Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death after trauma. A person can die from severe blood loss within minutes—often before emergency medical services arrive.
On December 26, 2025, Missouri enacted The Stop the Bleed Act which requires schools to stock bleeding control kits and train staff to respond to traumatic injuries. A move aimed at improving emergency preparedness and saving lives.
Requirements:
- The Act requires bleeding control kits in all public schools and charter school classrooms
- This bill establishes the "Stop the Bleed Act", defines "bleeding control kit" and requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to develop a traumatic blood loss protocol for school personnel by January 1, 2026.
- The bill outlines the specific requirements for the blood loss protocol which includes placing bleeding control kits in areas where there is likely to be high traffic or congregation, and areas where risk of injury may be elevated.
- Each district must designate a school nurse or school health care provider, or a school personnel member to receive annual training on the use of a blood control kit.
- The bill requires DESE and each school district and charter school to maintain information regarding the traumatic blood loss protocol and the Stop the Bleed national awareness campaign on their respective websites.
Key elements:
- 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 (available through Department of Defense-approved courses, including those offered by the American College of Surgeons and the Stop the Bleed Coalition).
- Grants Good Samaritan protections to school personnel who use a bleeding control kit in good faith
The grant program is open to eligible U.S.-based schools, government entities, nonprofit organizations, civic groups, and faith-based organizations that currently have or have applied for a STOP THE BLEED® Educational License. Organizations can apply for a grant here.
Sources:
https://stopthebleed.com/what-is-stop-the-bleed/
https://senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=18266065