Questions have been raised over new bleed kits installed by Melksham Town Council, amid concerns about their accessibility and recognition by emergency services.
The council has confirmed that the new bleed kits, installed at Melksham Town Hall, Melksham Assembly Hall, and Evie’s Kitchen in King George V Park, are not registered with emergency services and that no advice was sought from the ambulance service or police before purchasing them.
Melksham News understands that certain kits are approved by the South Western Ambulance Service (SWAS) and can be registered with them, meaning in an emergency someone can be directed to the nearest kit and guided on how to use it. Other types of bleed kit, such as those purchased by the council, are not approved for use by the SWAS.
A bleed kit is a first-aid kit specifically designed to control severe bleeding in an emergency, containing items such as tourniquets, bandages, and dressings to help save lives before professional help arrives.
Residents have also raised concerns about when the kits are available, suggesting pubs or 24/7 accessible cabinets would be more suitable. “These particular kits are accessible during building opening hours,” the council confirmed.
The issue follows a previous incident when a defibrillator outside Melksham Fire Station could not be used during a medical emergency because it was not registered on the national system used by ambulance services to locate life-saving equipment. A resident attempted to access the defibrillator after a serious medical incident, in which a family member later died.
The council said it now intends to consider other options for new bleed kits. “There is information being included in the full council report regarding the purchase of 24/7 bleed kits for the council to consider. These kits are from the recommended supplier for ambulance service,” it said. Melksham News understands the current kits were purchased by officers and were not included on any agenda for formal discussion by councillors at a council meeting.
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