New public access bleed control kits boost emergency response provision in High Wycombe

High Wycombe town centre has strengthened its emergency provision with the installation of public access bleed control kits, in a joint venture delivered by Buckinghamshire Council and HWBidco.

In medical emergencies involving significant blood loss, early intervention can be crucial and may save lives. Bleed control kits are already commonly found in town and city centres across the country. They provide access to specialist life-saving equipment designed to help control severe bleeding in the critical minutes before emergency services arrive.

The kits have been placed at the following locations and will complement existing defibrillators, ensuring a coordinated and accessible approach to life saving emergency response equipment:

• All Saints Churchyard – A secure bleed kit box has been installed next to the existing defibrillator, to the side of Costa Coffee.
• Wycombe Art Centre, Desborough Road - Within the defibrillator cabinet.
• Centrally located late-night venues - Two additional mass casualty response kits located within late-night venues.

These are in addition to the existing bleed control kits already available within Eden Shopping Centre.

In the event of an emergency, a member of the public would call 999, provide their location, and be guided to the nearest available kit. A secure access code would be provided to unlock the cabinet and the call handler would provide guidance in use of the equipment.

Steve Bowles, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said:

“Buckinghamshire Council is committed to working collaboratively with partners to maintain safe and welcoming town centres.

“These bleed control kits strengthen the ability of our Street Wardens, local security and the public to respond to medical emergencies in High Wycombe. Most busy town and city centres in the country have similar provision like this so we are pleased that High Wycombe will now be similarly equipped. We hope, of course, that they are never required, but having access to this potentially life-saving equipment could be critical in the moments whilst waiting for emergency services to arrive.”

Susan Hynard, Chief Executive of HWBIDCo, said:

“The installation of these kits demonstrates the strength of partnership working in High Wycombe and the commitment of businesses to play their part in ensuring safety in the town centre for shop staff, residents and visitors.”

A UK-wide map of registered bleed kit locations can be found online.