More than 430 critical bleed control (CBC) kits have now been installed in communities across Swansea, more than anywhere else in Wales.
Designed to provide emergency first aid in the event of a traumatic injury they can be found in public spaces including the city and town centres, community hubs and other high-footfall areas such as council buildings, leisure centres and all 14 of the city’s comprehensive schools.
Last year’s High Sheriff of West Glamorgan, Melanie James, introduced the charitable initiative and teamed up with Heartbeat Trust UK to build the network.
Swansea Council has supported the rollout with funding for 100 kits to help ensure they are widely available.
The kits can be used by members of the public to help save lives before emergency services arrive.
Each contains essential military grade medical equipment including a tourniquet, haemostatic gauze and fox chest seal along with traumafix dressing, gloves, foil blanket and easy to follow body map instruction card in both English and Welsh.
Mrs James said: “I am very grateful for the incredible support we have received from Swansea Council, our councillors, local businesses and private individuals which has allowed us to provide the most comprehensive provision of CBC kits anywhere in Wales.
“These kits have been used in England for so many scenarios that have caused catastrophic bleeds including road and workplace accidents, dog bites, impalements, glass or knife injuries.
“They have a universal application and contain clever supplies that will and do save lives. We are offering free community training to community groups and although you never want anyone to use one if they are needed they are now available for the public.”
Swansea Council first teamed up with Heartbeat Trust UK to establish a comprehensive network of defibrillators throughout the city.
The council contributed almost £200k to the drive and Swansea now has more than 650 defibrillators in place – becoming the UK’s first Defib-friendly City.
Many of the critical bleed kits have been located in the same casings as the defibrillators to make then easy to locate and access.
Council Leader Rob Stewart said: “I’m very grateful to Melanie and to Heartbeat Trust UK for all they are doing in making Swansea a safer place for everyone and I’m proud that the council is playing its part.
“The expansion of this scheme means that more residents and visitors will have access to life-saving equipment when it is needed most.”
To find out about free community training email: [email protected]
