FREE training has been held in Melksham to help residents learn how to respond to a severe bleed in an emergency.
Owen’s World Foundation delivered the session at Melksham Town Hall on Tuesday 8th September, covering how to respond with and without a bleed control kit.
Melksham-based healthcare supplier Gompels sponsored the installation of eight publicly accessible bleed control kits across Melksham in June. The kits were supplied by Owen’s World Foundation, a community interest company established in memory of Owen Dunn.
The training formed part of an ongoing partnership between Owen’s World Foundation, Gompels and Melksham Town Council, aiming to increase awareness of how to respond in a bleed emergency and use of the newly installed bleed control kits.
Mayor of Melksham, Cllr Saffi Rabey, said, “I’d like to say a huge thank you to Owen’s World Foundation for delivering such an important and informative session. I learned so much, especially the importance of checking for bleeding first, and hearing Owen’s story really brought home why this work matters so much.
“What really stood out to me was that these bleed control kits aren’t just for knife-related injuries. They can be used in any situation where someone is suffering a severe bleed, whether that’s from an accident at home, a fall, a road traffic collision or another medical emergency.”
William Hayden, from Gompels, said, “We started here in Melksham as a family-run pharmacy almost 60 years ago, and while the business has grown considerably since then, the town remains very much our home. Supporting an initiative that puts important healthcare equipment into the local community felt like a natural fit for us.
“It’s great to now see all eight kits in place, and to see the training taking place alongside them.”
Jo Davis, CEO and founder of Owen’s World Foundation, added, “In an emergency, every second counts. Having accessible bleed kits within our communities, alongside the knowledge and confidence to use them, can make a vital difference in those critical moments before emergency services arrive.
“This partnership is about empowering local people with the skills, knowledge and resources they need to potentially save a life.”
Attendees were also introduced to the free CitizenAID app, which provides step-by-step guidance to help people respond during emergencies.
To locate Melksham’s bleed control kits, visit www.bleedmap.uk.
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