Unsupported Browser
The American College of Surgeons website is not compatible with Internet Explorer 11, IE 11. For the best experience please update your browser.
Close
Member ID
Become a Member
Open Search
Menu
ACS Home
Donate to ACS Foundation
About Us
Advocacy & Policy
Quality Programs
For Surgeons
For Patients
Become a member and receive career-enhancing benefits

Our top priority is providing value to members. Your Member Services team is here to ensure you maximize your ACS member benefits, participate in College activities, and engage with your ACS colleagues. It's all here.

Become a Member
ACS Home
Donate to ACS Foundation
Quality Programs
For Surgeons
For Patients
Advocacy & Policy
About Us
Become a member and receive career-enhancing benefits

Our top priority is providing value to members. Your Member Services team is here to ensure you maximize your ACS member benefits, participate in College activities, and engage with your ACS colleagues. It's all here.

Become a Member
Popular searches
Frequent searches
ACS
advocacy

New Law Improves First Responder Access to Stop the Bleed Kits

December 23, 2025

stb-acs-ctrgb.svg

On December 19, the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was signed into law. The NDAA includes a key ACS legislative priority—the Improving Police Critical Aid for Responding to Emergencies (CARE) Act. 

This ACS-endorsed legislation allows 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), helping to ensure that first responders have the tools necessary to save 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 law requires that kits purchased with these funds include a Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care-recommended tourniquet and instructional materials developed by stakeholders, including the ACS. Further, it directs the DOJ to collaborate with stakeholder organizations on establishing standards for trauma kits and provide best practices for law enforcement agencies on how to use the kits. The ACS will continue engaging with the agency on this standards development effort.

For more information on training or to purchase personal kits, visit the ACS Stop the Bleed website.

Related Pages

Help Celebrate 50 Years of ATLS by Sharing Your Stories

The ACS invites stories, photos, and memories to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ATLS program and its global impact on trauma care.

ACS Regent Dr. Gary Timmerman Describes His Path to Becoming a Chair

From rural South Dakota to national advocacy, Dr. Gary Timmerman, shares how leadership and access shape surgical care.

Stapler Closure Bests Hand-Sewn Closure for Pancreatic Stump Management

International evidence suggests stapler closure may be the preferred technique to reduce fistula risk after distal pancreatectomy.

Short Chest Tube Water Seal Has Advantages Over Long Seal for Traumatic Pneumothorax

Prospective data support short water seal trials as a safe, efficient alternative to longer trials for chest tube removal in trauma patients.

Military Surgeon Discusses Urgent Need to Improve National Trauma Readiness

Listen to Dr. William Schwab urge national trauma readiness and mass casualty preparedness.

Register for ACS Common Bile Duct Exploration Course in Los Angeles

Learn laparoscopic common bile duct exploration techniques in an ACS-accredited hybrid course with didactics, lab training, and CME.

Nominate Young Surgeon-Scientist for Jacobson Promising Investigator Award

ACS invites applications for the 2026 Jacobson Promising Investigator Award, honoring surgeons advancing surgical science and patient safety.

CoC Accreditation Is Available to Hospitals in Canada

Canadian hospitals can now pursue ACS Commission on Cancer accreditation to strengthen oncology care and outcomes.

Are Surgeons Ready to Shift from Laparoscopic Appendectomy to Robotic—and Is It Necessary?

Greater awareness, tailored education, and innovative technologies are revolutionizing surgeon ergonomics.

Don’t Miss Dec. 31 Deadline to Submit Nomination for Best Grand Rounds of 2025

Help shape Clinical Congress 2026 by nominating your favorite grand rounds presentation before December 31.

Surgical Intervention Can Provide Relief for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Listen to Dr. Kyle Eberlin discuss an effective surgical treatment pathway for complex regional pain syndrome.

Submit Abstracts for Clinical Congress 2026

Researchers and educators are invited to submit original abstracts, videos, and history posters for ACS Clinical Congress 2026.