Bill
Bill > S4421
NJ S4421
Requires issuance of tourniquets to law enforcement officers; requires emergency service vehicles be equipped with tourniquets.
summary
Introduced
05/19/2025
05/19/2025
In Committee
05/19/2025
05/19/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires tourniquets to be issued to all State, county, and municipal law enforcement officers and requires all emergency service vehicles to be equipped with a tourniquet. Tourniquets are not currently issued to all law enforcement officers in this State. In addition, tourniquets are not currently included as part of the basic equipment and supplies required for emergency vehicles pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Commissioner of Health. In the United States, the use of tourniquets fell out of favor following the civil war when they were questioned due to complications associated with their indiscriminate use. Until recently, tourniquets were thought to be a last resort, to be used only when more conventional methods (direct pressure, elevation, pressure point, and pressure dressing) were unsuccessful. In recent years there has been a resurgence in the use of tourniquets. The "first use" of the tourniquet has been found to save numerous lives in a number of emergencies including the Boston Marathon bombings and active shooter incidents. Victims of motor vehicle accidents have been saved in New Jersey by officers to whom tourniquets have been issued. It is the sponsor's view that these life-saving tools should be issued to all law enforcement officers, and be part of the basic equipment and supplies required for emergency vehicles in this State. Under the bill, a tourniquet is required to be issued to every State, county, and municipal law enforcement officer, and every basic life support ambulance and mobility assistance vehicle licensed by the Department of Health is required to be equipped with a tourniquet. The cost of the tourniquets issued to law enforcement officers under the bill may be funded by forfeiture funds received by the Attorney General as instrumentalities of crime. Finally, the bill authorizes the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Health to promulgate guidelines or directives in order to enforce the provisions of the bill.
AI Summary
This bill requires the issuance of tourniquets to all law enforcement officers in New Jersey and mandates that emergency service vehicles be equipped with tourniquets. Specifically, the superintendent must provide tourniquets to all state troopers, and the chief law enforcement officers of county and municipal police departments must issue tourniquets to their officers. Every basic life support ambulance and mobility assistance vehicle (specialized transport vehicles licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health) must have a tourniquet available while in-service. The bill defines key terms such as "basic life support ambulance" and "mobility assistance vehicle" to clarify the scope of the requirement. The cost of these tourniquets for law enforcement can be funded through forfeiture funds collected under existing law. Both the Attorney General (for law enforcement) and the Commissioner of Health (for emergency vehicles) are authorized to create guidelines to implement these provisions. The bill is part of a broader trend recognizing tourniquets as a critical life-saving tool, especially in emergency situations like active shooter incidents and accidents, where immediate hemorrhage control can prevent fatalities. The legislation will take effect on the first day of the third month following its enactment.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 05/19/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4421 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4500/4421_I1.HTM |
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