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S 1619

An Act relative to requiring trauma kits in public buildings

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Keenan and 2 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill requiring trauma kits in public buildings to enable rapid emergency bleeding control before paramedics arrive.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · S 1619

Legislative bill overview

S 1619 requires Massachusetts public buildings to maintain and stock trauma kits—supplies used for emergency treatment of severe bleeding and traumatic injuries. The bill mandates these kits be placed in accessible locations and establishes standards for their contents, maintenance, and staff training.

Why is this important

Trauma kits enable rapid response to life-threatening injuries before emergency medical services arrive, potentially reducing mortality and permanent disability from accidents, violence, or medical emergencies in high-traffic public spaces. The requirement reflects growing evidence that immediate hemorrhage control can be critical in the first minutes after traumatic injury.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation burden: Unclear who bears expenses for purchasing, maintaining, and replacing kits across all public buildings, and whether smaller municipalities have adequate resources
  • Liability concerns: Questions about whether untrained bystanders using kits could create legal exposure for building owners, and whether "good Samaritan" protections are sufficient
  • Scope ambiguity: "Public buildings" is broad—unclear if this includes schools, libraries, transit stations, courthouses, or all government-owned structures, and whether private businesses open to public access are affected

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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