New Jersey Assembly Bill A1052

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

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

Impact

The legislation aims to enhance public safety by ensuring law enforcement personnel are adequately prepared to manage severe bleeding injuries, which is especially critical during emergencies such as active shooter situations or serious vehicle accidents. The use of tourniquets has gained renewed recognition in medical guidelines as an effective measure in trauma care. By equipping officers and ambulances with this life-saving tool, the bill may lead to improved outcomes in critical situations.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1052 requires the issuance of tourniquets to law enforcement officers across the state of New Jersey and mandates that emergency service vehicles be equipped with tourniquets. Currently, not all law enforcement officers in the state are issued tourniquets, and these devices are not included in the standard equipment lists for emergency vehicles as defined by state regulations. The bill seeks to rectify this by making tourniquets a standard part of the emergency response toolkit.

Contention

While the primary intent of the bill is to save lives, there may be discussions or concerns regarding the cost implications and the management of tourniquet supplies. The bill allows for funding of the tourniquets through forfeiture funds, which may raise questions about the appropriateness of using such funds for this purpose. Moreover, as tourniquet use has evolved over time, there could be varying opinions on the necessity of formalizing their use in law enforcement protocols. The bill's effectiveness will depend on proper training and implementation practices to ensure that officers are equipped to use tourniquets correctly.