May 7, 2025

State Rep. Irene Haines Hosts “Stop the Bleed” Training Joined by 13-Year-Old Advocate Waylon Page to Support Life-Saving Legislation

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HARTFORD, CT — May 7, 2025 — State Representative Irene Haines (R-34) proudly co-sponsored House Bill 7200 and joined Representatives Liz Linehan and Pat Boyd today in hosting a hands-on “Stop the Bleed” training with the American College of Surgeons at the Connecticut State Capitol. The event is part of a growing initiative to empower bystanders with the skills and tools needed to save lives in bleeding emergencies—when every second counts.

Joining the legislators at today’s event were 13-year-old Waylon Page and his parents. Waylon bravely shared his personal story of living with a bleeding disorder—something his family only discovered following a routine tonsil surgery. He and his family participated in the training and spoke about the importance of passing HB 7200.

“Waylon’s courage and advocacy are exactly why I want to see this bill passed,” said Rep. Haines. “His story brings a face and urgency to the reality that uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death. House Bill 7200 will save lives, and I’m proud to support it because of kids like Waylon and families like his.”

HB 7200 aims to:

Ensure bleeding control training is administered by the Department of Emergency
Services and Public Protection
Provide training credit toward certification for police officers and firefighters
Require the installation of bleeding control kits in all state-owned buildings
Update the State Building Code to mandate life-saving kits in new construction

“Waylon reached out to me directly, and I was honored to welcome him to the Capitol in March after he testified in Washington, D.C. with the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation,” added Haines. “Because of his efforts, we are one step closer to making Connecticut safer and more prepared. I will keep fighting to get HB 7200 across the finish line.”

Rep. Haines emphasized her commitment to supporting efforts like the national Stop the Bleed campaign, which encourages bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to assist before professional help arrives.