HR-5864 : Still Just a Bill

The Improving Police Critical Aid for Responding to Emergencies Act, or the Improving Police CARE Act (H.R. 5864), aims to establish standards for trauma kits purchased by law enforcement agencies using funds from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.

Specifically, the bill proposes to amend Section 521 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include a new subsection on Trauma Kits. Key provisions of the bill include:

• Definition of Trauma Kit: Defines a "trauma kit" as a first aid response kit, including a bleeding control kit, capable of controlling life-threatening hemorrhages.
• Performance Standards Requirement: Stipulates that trauma kits purchased with Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds must meet performance standards established by the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). Grantees may acquire components separately and assemble kits that meet these standards.
• Development of Standards and Best Practices: Directs the BJA Director, within 180 days of enactment, and in consultation with various medical and law enforcement organizations, to:
  • Develop and publish performance standards for eligible trauma kits, requiring, at a minimum, specific components.
  • Develop and publish optional best practices for law enforcement agencies concerning training officers in kit use, as well as the deployment and maintenance of kits in vehicles and facilities.
• Required Components: Mandates that a trauma kit, at a minimum, include:
  • A tourniquet recommended by the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care.
  • A bleeding control bandage.
  • A pair of nonlatex protective gloves and a pen-type marker.
  • A pair of blunt-ended scissors.
  • Instructional documents from approved sources (e.g., "Stop the Bleed" campaign, American College of Surgeons, American Red Cross, or Department of Defense partners).
  • A bag or container designed to hold the kit's contents.
  • Any additional trauma kit supplies approved by State, local, or Tribal law enforcement agencies or first responders, capable of treating traumatic injuries and stored in a readily available kit.