PITTSBURGH — UPMC is donating 229 medical trauma kits to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police to equip officers responding to medical emergencies, officials announced Wednesday.
The kits are intended to provide police officers with critical medical equipment before emergency medical services personnel arrive at an emergency scene.
The kit distribution furthers UMPC’s record of supporting emergency medical care in Pittsburgh. In January, the health care system donated $10 million to the city for new ambulances. A five-year funding partnership announced in June includes an additional $25 million from UPMC for EMS vehicles and equipment.
“Every second matters in a medical emergency and when our police are the first on the scene, they’ll now have access to medical trauma kits to start providing critical care until EMS arrives,” Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor said. “I’d like to thank UPMC for once again stepping up and investing in our first responders so that they can help provide life-saving support to our communities.”
The donation includes 160 medical trauma kits designated for front-line police patrol vehicles. Each kit contains two tourniquets, chest seals, emergency trauma dressings, trauma shears and hemostatic gauze.
SWAT officers and tactical paramedics will receive 65 individual medical trauma kits along with four disaster and mass casualty response bags containing advanced bleeding control equipment, airway and breathing equipment, warming blankets and blood administration sets.
Along with supplying the physical kits, UPMC will conduct training for officers on acute care skills and proper usage of the equipment. UPMC will also replenish the trauma kits as needed to maintain supplies.
“UPMC is proud to deepen our partnership with Mayor O’Connor and the City of Pittsburgh by supporting the first responders who are there for Pittsburghers when they need help most,” UPMC President and CEO Leslie Davis said. “This donation, paired with the training needed to use these kits effectively, reflects our broader commitment to strengthening emergency response, advancing public safety and investing in the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”
“On behalf of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, I want to thank UPMC for this generous donation and for their continued commitment to the health and safety of our community,” Pittsburgh Police Chief Jason Lando said. “These trauma kits will provide our officers with another critical tool when they are called upon to respond to emergencies and help save lives. Every day, Pittsburgh Police officers respond to emergencies, often in the most challenging and unpredictable circumstances, to protect and serve our residents. They are often the first people on the scene providing lifesaving assistance until additional medical resources arrive. We are incredibly proud of the work they do every day and we are grateful to UPMC for recognizing that work and investing in the preparedness of our officers and the safety of the people we serve.”
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