New Jersey Assembly Bill A1653

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires issuance of tourniquets to law enforcement officers; requires emergency service vehicles be equipped with tourniquets.

Impact

Under the proposed law, not only will law enforcement officers be equipped with tourniquets, but it will also establish a state-wide standard for emergency medical response vehicles regarding their medical equipment. This reflects a significant shift towards proactive emergency management and underscores the necessity of equipping first responders with effective tools to handle trauma cases promptly. The bill opens pathways for using forfeiture funds to cover the costs associated with issuing these tourniquets, which could alleviate financial burdens on local departments.

Summary

A1653 is a legislative proposal in New Jersey that mandates the issuance of tourniquets to all State, county, and municipal law enforcement officers, as well as requiring that all basic life support ambulances and mobility assistance vehicles be equipped with tourniquets while in service. This bill addresses an urgent public safety concern by providing law enforcement with the necessary tools to apply immediate medical assistance in severe bleeding situations. The measure aims to enhance the life-saving capabilities of officers and improve overall emergency response protocols in the state.

Contention

While the bill enjoys support from many legislators and public safety advocates, concerns may arise regarding the adequacy of training for officers in the use of tourniquets. Critics may question whether this legislative measure adequately addresses the accompanying need for specialized training to ensure that officers can effectively implement the use of tourniquets in critical situations. Furthermore, some may argue that the bill does not adequately account for the different needs of various municipalities, which might have varying capacities for training and resource allocation.