S. 1595: Improving Police CARE Act

Police departments across the country use federal Byrne JAG grants to buy equipment, trauma kits included. Right now nothing in the grant rules says what a trauma kit has to contain. S. 1595 would set that floor.

Any trauma kit bought with Byrne JAG money would have to include at least a tourniquet, a bleeding-control bandage, gloves, scissors, and instructions, or the grant money couldn't pay for it.

The full list is seven items: a tourniquet recommended by the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care, a bleeding-control bandage, nonlatex gloves with a pen-type marker, blunt-ended scissors, instructions from an approved source such as the Stop the Bleed campaign or the American Red Cross, and a bag to hold it all. Departments could add more supplies if a state, local, or Tribal agency or its first responders approve them.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance would have 180 days to publish the standard, after consulting trauma surgeons, emergency physicians, EMS professionals, police agencies, and police unions and trade groups. It would also publish voluntary guidance on training officers and on keeping kits stocked in patrol cars and public buildings.

Departments wouldn't be tied to one vendor. They could buy the parts separately and assemble their own kits, as long as the finished kit meets the standard. Kits bought with other money are not covered.