Bill > S1619

This bill, known as the Massachusetts Trauma Response Preparedness Act, requires public buildings with a maximum occupancy of 300 or more people to have trauma kits and a trained trauma kit designee on staff at all times. A trauma kit is defined as a first aid kit specifically designed to help bystanders control serious bleeding, and must include a tourniquet, gauze, gloves, and a training booklet. The number of trauma kits per building will be determined by a formula developed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, based on guidance from the American College of Surgeons. The bill covers a wide range of public spaces, including government buildings, schools, libraries, transportation facilities, places of worship, and entertainment venues. Buildings can store trauma kits in the same location as Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and can designate the same person to manage both. The bill also provides legal protection for individuals who attempt to render emergency care in good faith, protecting them from liability except in cases of gross negligence. Additionally, the bill allows cities and towns to use Community Preservation Funds to purchase trauma kits and train designees, and requires educational institutions to track and report the availability and location of trauma kits and designated personnel.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1619