The Knox County Emergency Management Agency is distributing new emergency response tools to schools across the county.

According to Emergency Management, SMART Triage Packs and Stop the Bleed kits are being deployed to all K–12 schools in Knox County. Each school will receive triage packs to assist with rapid patient assessment and prioritization, along with two bleeding control kits designed to address severe injuries.

The agency says the initiative is being coordinated in partnership with local school corporations and public safety agencies. Deputy Director Renee Schopmeyer and Lieutenant Dan Short, who also serves as a school resource officer, are assisting with coordination and implementation.

Emergency Management Director John Streeter says the goal is to provide school staff with tools to take immediate action during the first minutes of an emergency until additional responders arrive.

The effort also includes coordination between schools, law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, and healthcare partners.