Broward County Commission Regular Meeting

MOTION TO DIRECT staff to research whether bleeding control kits ("BCKs") should be installed in the geographic boundaries of Broward County's ("County") unincorporated areas and buildings owned by the County where existing automated external defibrillators are located. (Commissioner Udine)

ACTION:  (T-1:09 PM)  Approved.  (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)
 
VOTE: 6-0.  Commissioner Holness was not on the dais during the vote.  Commissioners Geller and Sharief were not present.

Information regarding the number and size of gymnasiums, fitness centers, theaters, restaurants, hotels and motels, assisted living facilities, dental and medical offices, and commercial and retail spaces in unincorporated areas will assist the Board of Broward County Commissioners in determining the necessity and feasibility of installing BCKs in buildings frequented by the public.

Directs staff to compile information to determine whether an ordinance requiring certain businesses to install BCKs is warranted.

To help prevent deaths following violent attacks, a number of South Florida cities are requiring the installation of BCKs in certain large buildings frequented by large numbers of residents. For example, one city ordinance targets commercial and retail spaces with a square footage greater than 35,000 and buildings that hold 500 or more people. BCKs are plastic containers filled with medical equipment used to control bleeding by people who have suffered traumatic injuries. BCKs contain tourniquets, gauze pads, vented chest seals, medical gloves, trauma scissors and an instruction card. The outside of a BCK displays the universal medical symbol. BCKs can be installed in the same cabinet alongside automated external defibrillators. One city has installed BCKs in city facilities, community centers and parks. Bystanders can be instructed on how to use the BCKs by 911 dispatchers.