Special bleed control kits installed in the city centre

Derbyshire Constabulary has funded four bleed control cabinets, the first of which has now been installed in St Peter’s Street.

It contains equipment to treat patients injured in a serious violent crime or road traffic collision.

The bleed control kits can provide vital support to a victim while paramedics are on the way to the scene.

While kits were made available at some business premises in the city in 2020, these are the first kits to be installed in the streets, offering support at times when businesses are closed.

Superintendent Sarah McAughtrie said: “Catastrophic bleeding from a trauma injury, such as a stabbing or serious road collision, can prove fatal in a matter of minutes.

“It is our hope that these kits will help provide vital minutes of support while paramedics travel to the scene.

“Should anyone need access to the kit in an emergency, they would contact 999 and ambulance call handlers will have knowledge of the nearest cabinet location and will provide the caller with a code to unlock the cabinet, which also contains instructions as to how to use the kit.

“We have also ensured that local police officers know the location of the cabinets, should they need to use a kit in an emergency.”

Michael Barnett-Connolly, Head of Community Response, Collaboration and Engagement at East Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We are really pleased to be supporting the partnership work across the East Midlands to ensure these lifesaving bleed control cabinets and kits are installed in major towns and cities.

“We are always keen to work with our partner organisations to ensure the safety of our communities and these kits are vital to providing the necessary first aid to reduce blood loss until professional medical help arrives which could help to save more lives.”

Councillor Jonathan Smale, Derby City Council Cabinet Member said: "For casualties who suffer heavy bleeding, every second counts. Having these kits in Derby could be the difference between life and death. We look forward to seeing more kits installed throughout the city.”

The kits have been purchased from the Daniel Baird Foundation. For more information, visit the website Bleed Control Kits | By The Daniel Baird Foundation | Campaign by Lynne Baird - Control The Bleed |