Emergency Bleed Control Kits to be Installed Across Our Communities

Around 100 publicly accessible bleed control kits will be installed across Wiltshire as part of a new initiative to help communities respond to serious bleeding emergencies and potentially save lives.

Wiltshire Council is also looking for community venues to help host the kits. 

Wiltshire Council is working with partners to deliver the Wiltshire Community Lifelines project, which will see kits installed across the county's 18 community areas. Around 40 kits will be located at council-owned buildings, while the remaining kits will be hosted by community organisations and venues, which will become Wiltshire Community Lifelines Champions. 

The kits are designed to help members of the public provide immediate assistance during serious bleeding emergencies while emergency services are responding. The project aims to strengthen community resilience by improving access to potentially lifesaving equipment and supporting people to act quickly in an emergency. 

As part of the rollout, community organisations, groups and venues are being encouraged to register their interest in hosting a bleed control kit. Potential locations could include sports clubs, village halls, community centres, pubs, shops and other publicly accessible venues. 

People can register their interest in hosting a bleed control kit by completing the survey at: Wiltshire Community Lifelines – application form to host an emergency bleed kit

The initiative was introduced through a motion at Full Council on 19 May and received unanimous support from councillors, demonstrating a shared commitment to community resilience and helping deliver practical benefits for residents. 

Cllr Mel Jacob, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “We all hope we'll never find ourselves in a situation where a bleed control kit is needed but having them available in our communities could make a real difference in those crucial moments before emergency services arrive. 

“Many people are already familiar with seeing defibrillators in public places. Bleed control kits are another way of helping communities be prepared and giving people access to the tools that could help save a life in an emergency. 

“We're pleased to be building on the excellent work already taking place across Wiltshire. This project is not about replacing existing initiatives but helping to make bleed control kits more widely available so that even more communities have access to this important equipment. 

“I'd also like to recognise the organisations and community groups that have already introduced bleed control kits in their local areas. By working together, we can help ensure more communities across Wiltshire have access to this potentially lifesaving equipment when it's needed.” 

Cllr Boaz Barry, who brought forward the motion, said: “I was proud to bring this motion to Full Council, and I'm delighted to see it now being delivered. I'd like to thank all the partners involved, including HeartSafe UK and Wiltshire Police, for helping turn this motion into reality. Catastrophic bleeding can take a life in minutes.

"These kits mean that when the worst happens, people in our communities have the tools to step in and help before emergency services arrive. This is proven, life-saving infrastructure for Wiltshire, and it is just the beginning. I'd encourage town and parish councils across the county to get involved and help bring kits to even more communities.”

Superintendent Mike Vass, said: “It is crucial that people know where their nearest bleed kit is so that if they do find themselves in a life or death situation, they are best equipped to help. The kits come with fundamental life-saving equipment and clear instructions to help provide emergency first aid for someone who is suffering significant blood loss prior to emergency services arriving on scene. They are available to the public 24/7.”

By working with local communities and partner organisations, Wiltshire Council aims to improve access to potentially lifesaving equipment, strengthen community resilience and help ensure people are better prepared to respond in an emergency. 

People can find out more about the emergency bleed kits, including how to get involved and help bring a kit to their community, by visiting: https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/emergency-bleed-control-kits