This article, part of the special issue of TECHBeat, posted on the JUSTNET.org Web site, discusses the use of mass casualty trauma kits by the Tucson (AZ) Police Department.
Following the murders at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, in December of 2012, new efforts are being focused on the issue of school safety and how to keep children and adults safe in school settings. This article, "Police Outfitted With Mass Casualty Trauma Kits," is part of the special issue of TECHBeat posted on the JUSTNET.org Web site. The article discusses emergency trauma kits used by the Tucson (AZ) Police Department to render first aid and life support on the scene of mass casualty incident similar to what happened at Sandy Hook Elementary School or the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. The kits are considered critical to providing emergency care to victims during the time when law enforcement officials are occupied with securing the crime scene and stopping any further threats, a time when first responders are unable to treat victims. The kits were developed and funded with a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Metropolitan Medical Response System.