Following a recent school shooting that left 2 students dead and some 10 injured at Brown University, Representative Selina Bliss (R-AZ) is pushing new legislation that would allow school staff to receive advanced medical training to respond to emergencies.
The bill, called the FASTER Saves Lives Act, comes at a crucial moment. Just last week, a gunman opened fire at a campus, shooting 10 students before escaping. Security footage was released to help identify the suspect, and school officials announced they're reviewing their emergency response procedures.
Rep. Bliss wants to make sure schools have people on campus who know how to handle serious medical emergencies right away, before ambulances arrive.
"Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death after traumatic injury," Bliss explained. "HB 2076 gives schools the option to prepare staff to act immediately when an emergency occurs."
The legislation would allow schools to voluntarily train employees in critical emergency skills, such as stopping severe bleeding with tourniquets, helping someone breathe, treating chest injuries, and working with police and paramedics.
Proper Training
The training follows professional medical standards and would require regular updates to keep skills fresh.
However, it's completely optional. Schools don't have to participate, and employees can choose whether or not to get trained. The bill doesn't require anyone to carry weapons or change any gun laws, it’s focused on medical response.
Bliss is prioritizing every single second during a tragic scenario. Large campuses, locked doors, and distance from hospitals can all delay professional help. She then explains that survival rates plummet when bleeding isn't controlled quickly.
Right now, most school staff only know basic first aid. They're not trained to handle life-threatening injuries from shootings, severe sports accidents, or serious crashes.
"Whether the emergency is an act of violence, a serious athletic injury, or a transportation accident, trained responders on site save lives," Bliss said.
The training wouldn't break school budgets either. Schools could use existing safety grants or federal emergency money to cover costs.
