University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) announced a donation of 229 medical trauma kits to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Mayor Corey O'Connor said. The donation will equip police patrol vehicles and tactical units with emergency medical equipment including tourniquets, chest seals, trauma dressings, and hemostatic gauze.
The police department will receive 160 kits for front-line patrol vehicles, 65 kits for SWAT officers and tactical paramedics, and 4 disaster and mass casualty response bags containing advanced bleeding control equipment, airway supplies, warming blankets, and blood administration sets. UPMC will also provide training on using the equipment and replenish supplies as needed.
Police Chief Jason Lando said the trauma kits would give officers "another critical tool when they are called upon to respond to emergencies and help save lives." He noted that police are often the first responders on scene before emergency medical services arrive.
This is UPMC's third donation to support emergency medical services in Pittsburgh. The health system previously committed $35 million toward modernizing the Bureau of EMS vehicles and equipment.