Bleed control kits have been donated and installed in the three community defibrillator cabinets thanks to local charity Hearts for Herts and project partners gather to celebrate greater things to come.

Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire cut the ribbon on the cabinet housing the first kit at Barclays Bank, St Albans. The kits are designed for use on any extreme bleeding likely to cause death within minutes if not treated. They contain a tourniquet to restrict blood flow, haemostatic gauze that helps stop bleeding rapidly, a trauma dressing, gloves, and a chest seal.

Justin Honey-Jones who is a paramedic and the Chair of Hearts for Herts charity, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with St Albans City Centre BID by adding the kits into the existing secure locked cabinets at Barclays Bank, Christopher Place and The Maltings,  which already contain an automatic community access defibrillator. We have fundraised for 350 kits to date and are rolling these out across Hertfordshire along with 120 public access defibrillators.”

The location of each bleed control kit is registered with the East of England Ambulance Service control staff, who can quickly direct a 999 caller to the nearest kit by phone and give them the code. This helps any member of the public or staff give vital treatment before paramedics arrive.

Locations:

– Barclays Bank, side of building at Civic Close

– Christopher Place opposite Wagamama

– The Maltings by the shop level stairs

Vivien Cannon, BID Manager said, “Justin contacted us after reading about the community defibrillators being installed and it makes absolute sense to work together to build resilience in our community and increase survival rates whilst witing for emergency help to arrive.”

Following the installation, Justin will be arranging dates to deliver the Hearts for Herts charity’s free training: Heartstart Lifesaver Programme. Dates for this free training will be announced shortly.