New community safety initiative improves access to life-saving first aid in Winchester
A new training programme aimed at keeping Winchester residents and visitors safe was launched last week by the Winchester Community Safety Partnership.
The programme, known as the Safer Streets initiative, has been providing licensed premises with special kits that can help stop bleeding in case of serious injuries, known as critical bleed kits, as well as the training needed to use them.
The programme has already provided two training sessions with staff from local pubs and bars, teaching them how to make use of the critical bleed kits provided to them by the partnership, as well as providing them with enhanced first aid training.
PC Brian Swallow, Police Alcohol Licensing Officer (PALO) for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said:
“The partnership has purchased critical bleed kits largely to support the night-time economy as a precautionary measure for the rare occasion when they might be needed.
“The kits contain vital equipment to treat critical bleed injuries, so that an individual with a serious injury can receive effective and immediate first aid in those critical minutes whilst waiting for emergency services support.”
Cllr Kathleen Becker, Chair of Winchester Community Safety Partnership and Cabinet Member for Communities and Engagement said:
“Winchester is a safe place to live work and visit, and the purchase of this equipment is just another way the community safety partnership is working to support the safety and wellbeing of others.
“By empowering licensed establishments through the Safer Streets initiative, we’re helping to improve access to life-saving first aid should a worst-case scenario ever arise.”