Improving Police CARE Act

New trauma kit standards for police

If enacted, the bill would require the Bureau of Justice Assistance Director to publish trauma kit performance standards and optional best practices within 180 days. Grant recipients under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program would only be able to buy trauma kits with grant funds if the kits meet those standards. The standards would define a trauma kit and must at minimum include: a tourniquet recommended by the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care, a bleeding control bandage, nonlatex gloves and a pen-style marker, blunt-ended scissors, approved Stop the Bleed or similar instructional documents, and a suitable bag or container. The standards may also allow other approved supplies that treat traumatic injury and fit in a kit. Agencies could purchase kit parts separately and assemble kits so long as the assembled kits meet the published standards. The Director would consult medical and law enforcement stakeholders when developing the standards and best practices.