Melksham Town Council has agreed to install approved emergency bleed control kits at all Council-owned community defibrillator locations, strengthening the town’s public access life‑saving equipment and improving emergency preparedness.
The kits will be supplied by Owens World Foundation, a recognised charity specialising in bleed control equipment and training. Owens World will act as the Council’s preferred supplier and will also provide free community training sessions, helping residents, staff, and volunteers gain the confidence and skills to respond quickly in a serious bleeding emergency.
The first eight bleed control kits will be generously sponsored by Gompels Pharmacy, whose support will help ensure these potentially life-saving resources are available in key community locations across the town.
Importantly, the bleed control kits and their locations will be registered with the Ambulance Service, allowing emergency call handlers to direct callers to the nearest kit and provide guidance on how to use it while professional help is on the way.
Bleed control kits are designed to help manage severe bleeding from incidents such as serious accidents, falls or medical emergencies, and can be lifesaving in the critical minutes before emergency services arrive. Each kit contains specialist medical equipment selected to enable immediate control of bleeding until paramedics reach the scene.
As part of the wider initiative, the Council’s Partnership Officer will also work with Owens World to promote opportunities for organisations, businesses and community groups to purchase additional bleed kits, further expanding access to this potentially life‑saving equipment across Melksham.
Owens World Foundation was established to raise awareness of bleed control and knife crime prevention and works closely with emergency services to ensure equipment and training meet recognised standards. Their community training sessions are led by experienced professionals and focus on practical, hands‑on skills that anyone can learn.
Further details about installation locations, training sessions and how to get involved will be shared in due course.
Councillor Adrienne Westbrook said:
For more information about bleed control kits and training, visit About bleed control kits | Owens World