Emergency trauma kits to be rolled out city wide so that anyone can be a lifesaver

Manchester is taking bold steps to ensure the safety and resilience of its community by providing every city centre hotel and dozens of licensed venues with emergency trauma kits.

This proactive measure, organised by Manchester City Council in partnership with CityCo and Steroplast, aims to equip the public with the tools necessary to save lives during critical moments before professional medical help arrives.

Emergency trauma kits

This initiative addresses the ‘care gap’ highlighted during the recent Manchester Arena Inquiry.

The care gap refers to the crucial time between a major incident, such as a terror attack or serious injury, and the arrival of medical professionals on the scene.

By introducing 100 Public Access Trauma (PAcT) Kits across the city, Manchester is setting a new standard in emergency preparedness and community resilience.

An additional 73 kits will be rolled out across all city centre hotels under the Accommodation Business Improvement District (BID).

What do the trauma kits include?

The trauma kits, which include essential items like protective equipment, trauma dressings, tourniquets, and bandages, will be accessible to first responders, emergency services, hospitality staff, and even members of the public.

Detailed instructions will also be provided to ensure that anyone, regardless of their training, can potentially save a life in an emergency.

Martyn’s Law

This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance counter-terror resilience, inspired by the principles of ‘Martyn’s Law’.

This law, named in memory of Martyn Hett, who tragically lost his life in the Manchester Arena attack, aims to make counter-terror measures mandatory in public venues. Manchester has already adopted these principles, ensuring that venues across the city are equipped to handle emergencies effectively.

At a special launch event on Wednesday, July 31st, the Council and CityCo will officially hand over the trauma kits to the designated venues. Steroplast will provide specialist training on the use and storage of the kits, further empowering the community to act swiftly and effectively in the face of emergencies.

The event will also feature Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn Hett, whose tireless advocacy has driven national legislative change to improve counter-terror resilience. Her presence underscores the importance of this initiative and the positive impact it aims to achieve.

You can read more about Figen’s work by clicking here

Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods

Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating, “Any loss of life is a tragedy.

“This is why we are taking proactive steps to ensure that no one in Manchester dies because help may be too far away.

“We know that a small number of licensed premises already have these kits in place which we entirely commend, but we want to provide greater coverage throughout the city in venues that are more likely to be open all hours of the day.

“What we are doing here is bridging the gap between emergency response and the initial incident. We cannot replicate the incredible skill of our paramedics and first responders, but we can empower people by providing the skills to turn them into everyday lifesavers.

“As a result of the Arena Attack lessons have been learned on how we can respond following a terrorist incident and the Council has always been at the forefront of calling for legislative change, not just locally, but nationally.

“We were incredibly pleased to see that in the recent King’s Speech the Government set out its plans to bring forward legislation on Martyn’s Law, setting out legislation on how venues across the country can improve their counter-terror resilience.

“In an ideal world these trauma kits will never be used, but by ensuring that they can be found throughout the city we will empower anyone with the skills to save a life.”

Kumar Mishra, Chair of the Manchester Accommodation BID

Kumar Mishra, Chair of the Manchester Accommodation BID, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the initiative’s importance for the hospitality industry: “The Manchester Accommodation BID is proud to support this vital initiative. While our work often focuses on visible improvements like marketing, events, and city welcome, we are equally committed to supporting projects that enhance safety and security across the city.

“These include the Business Crime Reduction Partnership and training support for front desk staff on a range of issues, from antisocial behaviour to homelessness.

“Funding these emergency trauma kits for accommodation providers not only demonstrates the Accommodation BID’s broader value to levy payers but also reinforces the hospitality industry’s critical role in strengthening the city’s resilience.”

The introduction of these trauma kits has received widespread support within the industry, with an initial 100 venues volunteering for the first phase of the rollout. Future phases will extend this coverage to licensed venues in district centres and other community-benefiting locations.

Manchester City Council’s commitment to enhancing public safety and resilience through this initiative is a testament to the city’s dedication to protecting its residents and visitors.

By empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge to respond in emergencies, Manchester is paving the way for a safer and more resilient future.