Bill > S0391

This bill requires all public and private elementary and secondary schools in Rhode Island to provide and maintain clearly visible and easily accessible trauma kits designed to address serious bleeding injuries. The trauma kits must include specific supplies like tourniquets, compression bandages, gloves, scissors, and instructional materials, with the exact contents to be determined by the commissioner of education in consultation with the health department. Schools must also ensure at least one person trained in first aid and trauma kit usage is present during school-sponsored activities and athletic events. The bill provides legal immunity for individuals who render emergency assistance for traumatic bleeding injuries, but only for those trained according to specific standards (such as those from the US Department of Homeland Security or American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma), those providing approved training, property owners, and equipment owners. This immunity does not cover intentional harm or gross negligence. Schools can fund these trauma kits through various sources including grants, nonprofit organizations, parent-teacher groups, private parties, and government entities. The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, giving schools ample time to prepare and implement the required trauma kit provisions.

Education

https://status.rilegislature.gov/