Austin News

On November 30, 2023, the American Law Enforcement Sustaining Aid and Vital Emergency Resources (SAVER) Act, introduced by U.S. Senators John Cornyn, Sheldon Whitehouse, Thom Tillis, and Chris Coons, passed the Senate. This bipartisan legislation aims to equip law enforcement officers with trauma kits that will enable them to respond immediately to injuries during emergency calls.

Senator Cornyn emphasized the importance of providing law enforcement officers with the necessary resources to triage injuries at the scene of a health emergency. He stated, "This bipartisan legislation would equip our brave men and women in uniform with the tools to quickly respond when it matters most."

Senator Whitehouse echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for police officers to have access to life-saving interventions. He expressed his satisfaction with the Senate's passage of the legislation, stating, "I am pleased the Senate passed our bipartisan legislation to provide law enforcement officers with standardized emergency trauma kits – important tools to save lives."

Senator Tillis, a strong supporter of law enforcement, emphasized the significance of equipping officers with effective trauma kits to ensure the safety of communities. He stated, "Ensuring law enforcement officers have effective trauma kits will save countless lives and make our communities safer."

Senator Coons, as co-chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, stressed the importance of Congress prioritizing the provision of necessary tools for law enforcement to respond adequately to emergency situations. He expressed his pride in passing this bipartisan legislation, stating, "Ensuring that police and other law enforcement officers obtain quality, effective trauma kits will save lives."

The American Law Enforcement SAVER Act establishes baseline standards for trauma kits purchased using grant funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG). These standards are developed in consultation with law enforcement and medical professionals. Additionally, the legislation requires the development of optional best practices for training law enforcement officers to use trauma kits and for the deployment and maintenance of the kits in vehicles and government facilities.

The Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, and other law enforcement associations have endorsed the legislation. Medical organizations such as the American Trauma Society, Society of Trauma Nurses, American College of Surgeons, and American College of Emergency Physicians also support the bill.

By equipping law enforcement officers with quality trauma kits and establishing standardized practices, the American Law Enforcement SAVER Act aims to enhance the ability of law enforcement to respond effectively to emergencies and save lives.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-whitehouse-colleagues-bill-to-equip-law-enforcement-with-trauma-kits-passes-senate/