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Bleed kits partnership aims to save lives across Gloucestershire

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People across Gloucestershire are being encouraged to learn about emergency bleed kits and how they can help save lives as part of the Gloucestershire Bleed Kit Partnership.

The partnership, led by Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service and supported by a range of organisations including Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Constabulary and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, is working to increase the availability of public-access bleed kits and provide training to communities.

Bleed kits contain specialist equipment designed to help control severe bleeding in an emergency before ambulance crews arrive. They can be used in a range of situations, including road traffic collisions, workplace accidents, serious falls and other traumatic incidents.

Funding from the Stronger Safer Gloucestershire Partnership has supported the installation of bleed kits in Gloucester, as well as wider work to raise awareness of how they can be used safely and effectively.

The partnership is also promoting training opportunities to help community leaders, organisations and volunteers gain the confidence to respond in an emergency.

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member with responsibility for the fire and rescue service at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Bleed kits have the potential to save lives by providing immediate help in those critical minutes before emergency services arrive.

“While some people may associate them with incidents involving violence, these kits can be used in many different emergency situations, including road traffic collisions and serious accidents.

“This partnership brings together organisations from across Gloucestershire to improve access to life-saving equipment and increase public awareness. By making bleed kits more widely available and supporting training in our communities, we can help people feel more confident to act in an emergency and potentially save a life.”

Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Chris Nelson said: “Catastrophic bleeding is one of the biggest immediate risks following serious trauma. A person can lose a life‑threatening amount of blood in just a few minutes, long before an ambulance is able to arrive. In those moments, bystanders often want to help but don’t know how. Bleed kits change that. They contain straightforward, easy‑to‑use equipment such as tourniquets and wound dressings, along with clear instructions that allow anyone to act.

“While bleed kits are sometimes associated solely with knife crime, they are just as vital in everyday emergencies. Accidents on the road, workplace accidents and serious falls can all result in severe bleeding.

“This is about prevention, preparation and giving people the chance to act when it matters most. Bleed kits are a small, practical investment and in the right moment, they can mean life over death.”