They can save lives when seconds count. And soon, every law enforcement officer in Boone County will receive a free trauma kit thanks to the Central Indiana Police Foundation.

A total of 256 trauma kits are being donated at no cost to the departments. The kits are worth a total of $25,600 in cash value but are priceless when in trained hands. That’s why Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department Public Safety Officer Scott Klinger will hold seven different training sessions at police departments across Boone County as the trauma kits are passed out, before they are placed in service in every law enforcement vehicle.

“Having these trauma kits at an officer’s fingertips can make all the difference.” Officer Klinger explains. “The supplies in the kits are primarily centered around stopping massive bleeding and supporting the wounded officer’s airway. I have used these supplies as a paramedic and have seen them save lives. We are thankful for the donation and that every police car in our county will be outfitted with a kit.”

Earlier this month, a trauma kit was used to save the life of an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer who was shot in the line of duty. IMPD Officer Eric Rosenbaum was shot in the leg during a struggle with a suspected shoplifter and was bleeding heavily. A tourniquet in the kit was used to quickly stop the bleeding until medics could get him to the hospital for treatment.

“Although the kits were originally designed and put into practice for the benefit of police officers, to date, the kits have been used to save the lives of more civilians than officers. A large private donor made this possible. We are so happy to have a part in saving police officer and civilian lives.” says Lisa Rollings, Executive Director of the Central Indiana Police Foundation.

The first training session for Boone County’s new trauma kits will take place at the Zionsville Police Department: 1075 Parkway Dr, Zionsville, IN 46077 on May 24th from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Additional trainings will take place in June for: Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department, Boone County Sheriff’s Deputies, Jamestown Police, Thorntown Police, Advance Police, Lebanon Police, and Lebanon School Police.