WORCESTER, Mass. - First responders in Worcester now have a new tool to help support kids while responding to traumatic events, known as a 'crisis bag'. 

As part of a program created by the National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children, these bags containing games, toys, books and other items were presented to firefighters and officers by Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. on Monday.

“Each of these bags are full of carefully selected items that provide comfort, distraction and reassurance to children during some of the most traumatic moments in their lives,” Early said.

Early added that research indicates these items, which include teddy bears, coloring books, puzzles and more, could help provide an immediate distraction in these emergency situations.

“Trauma isn’t just a personal hardship, it’s a public health and safety issue that affects all of us,” Early said. “Children who experience trauma are 50 percent more likely to be involved in the criminal justice system. Children who experience trauma are 50 percent more likely to have a substance use disorder.”

The Worcester Police Department and Worcester Fire Department received 400 bags total, and City Manager Eric Batista said they pair well with existing programs the city has used to help these children process and heal.

“These collaborative efforts fit right into our existing work with the DA’s office on the Handle with Care initiative,” Batista said. “Through the initiative, the Worcester police and fire departments notify school personnel when a student has experienced or witnessed trauma. These efforts, combined with the crisis bags, are meant to support children at a critical moment in their lives.”

In addition to the 400 bags going to Worcester, 1,100 crisis bags will be sent out to other police and fire departments throughout the county over the coming days.