Trauma pack could be a life-saver in emergencies
Hundreds of live-saving kits are being distributed across the county following a trial in Maidstone.
More than 500 of the emergency trauma packs will be handed out to Kent businesses and venues for use in the event of major medical emergencies such as a stabbing, terrorist attack or a road accident. In what has been described as a UK first, around £25,000 has been spent on the packs by the Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit, led by police and crime commissioner Matthew Scott.
Last year Maidstone became the first town in the county to distribute the kits to town centre traders, when Kent Police and the One Maidstone Business Improvement District (BID) worked together on the scheme. Each red bag contains simple items such as enhanced dressings and gauzes to help keep an injured person alive until emergency services arrive.
Ch Insp Nick Sparkes, who has led the project at Kent Police, said: “Kent is a safe place to live, work and visit but sometimes accidents happen, and unfortunately sometimes serious crime happens in our communities. “In those rare instances, these easy-to-use packs are designed to empower members of the public, businesses and first responders to prevent potentially fatal blood loss until the emergency services arrive and take over.” Police officers and PCSOs are trained on how to use the packs, and each kit also contains easyto-follow instructions.
The scheme to distribute the kits in Maidstone was branded a success, with locations including Fremlin Walk, McDonald’s in Week Street, The Brenchley and The Mall among those equipped with the packs.
BID manager Ilsa Butler said: “It’s important that venues and businesses within the town centre are prepared for emergency situations.”