Trauma Kits Continue to Save Lives—But More Support Is Urgently Needed
On Tuesday, July 29, an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officer was shot at least three times while responding to a call on the city’s west side. In the critical moments that followed, he reached for his trauma kit and applied a tourniquet—ultimately helping save his own life before being rushed to the hospital.
Thanks to training and access to emergency trauma kits, this officer was prepared for the unthinkable. And he’s not alone. Across Central Indiana, more than 5,000 trauma kits have been distributed to officers since the program began—made possible through community donations, grants, and volunteers who help assemble each one.
“These small but mighty kits have saved more than 200 lives so far,” said Rick Snyder, President of the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police. “What’s even more powerful is that the majority of those saved weren’t officers—they were civilians.”
Each trauma kit includes essential items like medical shears, gloves, bandages, a pressure cuff, and a combat tourniquet. While they only cost $125 each, the impact they make is priceless. But right now, CIPF is facing a new challenge: the funding for additional kits has run out—and the waitlist is growing with over 200 kits requested.
“Every single officer in Indianapolis now carries one of these kits,” Snyder added. “But we’re receiving more requests from surrounding counties and departments across the state. We simply can’t meet the need without renewed support.”
The trauma kit initiative was born from tragedy. In 2008, IMPD Officer Jason Fishburn was shot in the line of duty. At that time, officers didn’t have access to trauma kits—but one responder, a former combat medic, used his personal gear to save Fishburn’s life. Since then, the mission has been clear: ensure every officer has the tools they need in life-threatening moments.
That mission has been fueled by generous individuals—like one woman who gave $5 each month until she could cover the cost of a full kit. Others have donated time, helping assemble the kits that officers now rely on daily.
“Anyone who’s ever built a kit has that moment when they see a story and think, ‘Was that mine?’” Snyder said. “That’s the power of community. It’s partnership in action.”
“This is one of the clearest examples of how community support directly saves lives,” said Lisa Rollings, Executive Director of the Central Indiana Police Foundation. “When someone donates $125, they’re not just funding supplies—they’re equipping an officer with a chance to save someone’s child, parent, or partner. That kind of impact stays with you forever.”