COVENTRY city centre had new bleed control kits installed as the city aims to secure a major safety accreditation.
Coventry Business Improvement District (BID), Coventry City Council and other partners are aiming to secure Purple Flag status for the city.
The status is an international accreditation programme which recognises cities that offer an entertaining and safe night out.
Coventry BID has introduced new bleed control kits for businesses to access as part of the drive for the status.
Bleed control kits allow businesses to act in an emergency while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.
Coventry University have donated five new small kits – with tourniquets, bandages and gel – and BID bought a large kit.
The kits have been introduced after a joint educational programme between BID and the university, educating students about staying safe on nights out.
More than 90 students attended a talk from BID’s security team and safety walk through the centre, they were asked to visit businesses and collect tips on staying safe.
Coventry BID manager Joanne Glover said: “Coventry is not unlike any other city, this isn’t a localised issue, however there are times when it is vital that we are able to react quickly.
“Businesses and visitors to the city will be able to quickly access the kits if required, either by contacting the BID or calling the police who will be able to direct to the nearest kit.”
Coventry now has a total of 25 bleed kits around the city centre.
Neighbourhood Inspector Simon Finney added: “Having these bleed kits available in the city centre could mean the difference between life and death to someone.
“While we of course hope we never have to use them, they should act as a reassurance to local people that if the worst happens, we and other emergency services can respond as quickly as possible to save a life.”
