US Senate Passes Bill to Improve Access to Stop the Bleed Kits

On July 29, the Senate passed the Improving Police Critical Aid for Responding to Emergencies (CARE) Act, legislation which would expand access to Stop the Bleed kits for states, tribal territories, and local governments. The ACS strongly supports this legislation, which was introduced by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Chris Coons (D-DE). 

Specifically, the legislation would allow law enforcement to purchase Stop the Bleed kits and other bleeding control supplies using funds from the Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (Byrne JAG), ensuring that first responders have the tools necessary for saving lives when minutes matter. The Byrne JAG program, administered by the US Department of Justice (DOJ), provides funding to support a wide range law enforcement and criminal justice activities, including training and supplies.

The bill would require kits purchased with these funds to include a Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care-recommended tourniquet and instructional materials developed by stakeholders, including the ACS Committee on Trauma. Further, the bill directs the DOJ to work with stakeholder organizations for establishing standards for trauma kits and provide best practices for law enforcement agencies on how to use the kits. 

Read the ACS letter of support. The Improving Police CARE Act has not yet been introduced in the House of Representatives.