Building a Compliant School Bleeding Control Program in Washington State

Q: When do schools need to be compliant?

Compliance is required beginning with the twenty twenty six to twenty twenty seven school year.

Q: How many staff members must be trained?

Schools need at least two trained employees or one trained employee per five hundred students for larger campuses.

Q: Are tourniquets safe for non medical staff?

Yes. Modern tourniquets are designed for safe use by trained lay responders.

Q: Do schools need to coordinate with local responders?

While not required, coordination with local EMS and fire departments is considered a best practice.

Building a Compliant School Bleeding Control Program in Washington State

Why Bleeding Control Programs Matter

Uncontrolled bleeding can become fatal within minutes. Schools are uniquely positioned to provide immediate care if staff have the right tools and training.

RCW 28A.210.440 ensures that bleeding control is treated as a core element of school safety rather than an optional addition.

Selecting Compliant Bleeding Control Equipment

Compliance begins with the right supplies. Bleeding control kits must be designed for traumatic injuries and meet statutory requirements.

A compliant kit includes

• Tourniquets approved for trauma care
• Compression bandages for severe bleeding
• Protective gloves and cutting tools
• Clear printed instructions for responders

Placement should prioritize quick access in high traffic or higher risk areas.

Training Staff for Real Emergencies

Training prepares staff to act decisively under stress. Effective bleeding control training focuses on

• Identifying life threatening bleeding
• Applying direct pressure correctly
• Using tourniquets safely
• Coordinating care until emergency responders arrive

Training should be reinforced periodically to maintain confidence and skill retention.

Inspection and Program Maintenance

Ongoing readiness is required by law.

• Annual inspections verify kit completeness
• Post use inspections identify replacement needs
• Documentation supports compliance and accountability

Maintenance ensures equipment functions as intended when needed most.

Partnering With Response Ready Medical®

Response Ready Medical® helps schools translate legal requirements into practical preparedness through

• Turnkey bleeding control programs
• On site and virtual training
• Compliance focused planning support
• Ongoing program maintenance guidance

Bleeding Control First Aid Kits Designed for School Applications

This partnership helps schools move beyond minimum requirements toward meaningful readiness.

Building a Compliant School Bleeding Control Program in Washington State

Building a Compliant School Bleeding Control Program in Washington State

Table of Contents

Why Bleeding Control Programs Matter

Selecting Compliant Bleeding Control Equipment

Training Staff for Real Emergencies

Inspection and Program Maintenance

Partnering With Response Ready Medical®

When do schools need to be compliant?

How many staff members must be trained?

Are tourniquets safe for non medical staff?

Do schools need to coordinate with local responders?