Wells City Council has thrown its support behind a vital initiative to install "Bleed Kits" at key locations throughout the city, following a presentation by Councillor Georgie Robbins.

A national campaign aims to ensure these kits, designed to provide immediate assistance not only to stabbing victims but also to those suffering from workplace injuries, car crashes, and other emergencies, are readily accessible.

Currently, the Wells Job Centre houses a stab kit, but its utility is limited to the centre's operating hours.

Councillor Robbins highlighted the necessity of determining strategic locations for these kits and assessing the required number.

During the meeting, it was noted that these kits range from £75 to £130.

National recommendations are that blood kits should be rolled out, as defibrillator kits have been installed in public places.

Anti-knife crime campaigner Leanne Reynolds stressed the accessibility and ease of use of these kits, stating, "Anyone can use a bleed kit. You don't need any training, and you can stop the bleed while you wait for an ambulance. These kits have been designed for public access, and while you're on the 999 call, they'll direct you through the contents and advise you how to stop the bleed."

The kits can vary in design but typically contain two trauma dressings, two haemostatic dressings, and a tourniquet. Some also have a chest shield to help an injured person breathe more easily after sustaining a torso wound.

• Trauma Dressings: Highly absorbent padded dressings used to cover wounds and apply sustained pressure to the area.
• Haemostatic Dressings: Accelerate blood clotting to control severe bleeding, particularly useful at junction regions like the neck, groin, and armpit.
• Tourniquet: A medical device used to reduce catastrophic bleeding in the arms or legs by applying pressure to stop blood flow.

Other items typically included in the kits are:

• 2 x Individual Pair of Nitrile Gloves
• Medical Shears/Scissors
• Foil Blanket
• CPR Face Shield
• Whistle

The proposal received unanimous support from councillors, reflecting strong community backing.

Councillor Louis Agabani moved for a principle vote, which would allow further research into costings and locations before presenting the proposal to the Finance and Council Matters Committee, which passed with full approval.