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Bill to install trauma kits in buildings for emergency response goes to governor’s desk

September 07, 2022


A California Medical Association (CMA) supported bill to require the installation of trauma bleeding control kits in newly constructed public and private buildings has passed the Senate floor unanimously (37 to 0) and now goes to the Governor’s desk.

This bill—Assembly Bill 2260—will make California the first state in the nation to add accessible first responder tools in non-residential areas where people gather. The legislation is based on bleeding control principles defined in the American College of Surgeons’ “STOP THE BLEED®” program, The bill would provide individuals with more access to emergency medical tools.

“The devastating mass shooting events that have occurred nationally and in our own state are a stark reminder of the importance of providing people with access to life-saving aid during emergencies. The trauma kits are an important tool to prevent major blood loss to increase someone’s chance of survival and we urge passage of this life-saving measure,” said CMA President Robert E. Wailes, M.D.

The legislation addresses the need to provide enhanced first aid for Californians in case of a crisis. Buildings owned or operated by local government entities or constructed after January 2023 within the state will be made to comply with these new public safety standards. The bill would also require that the building manager or entity be trained in the use and maintenance of the kits.

Uncontrolled bleeding is a major cause of preventative deaths. Approximately 40% of trauma-related deaths worldwide are due to bleeding or its consequences.

Requiring trauma kits and training bystanders in their use can greatly reduce the potential loss of life during emergencies before trained medical professionals can arrive on the scene. A prompt and timely response is necessary when treating potentially fatal injuries, and is made more possible with the availability of trauma kits.

 

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