EMERGENCY trauma packs (ETPs) have been delivered to prominent buildings and business premises in the Square Mile to better connect response teams with vital supplies during a terror strike.
Each pack is stocked with a collection of specialist medical equipment to treat casualties, with the location of the kits plotted on a map so that the City of London Police control room is able to make use of them in the event of an emergency.
In addition to the numerous local businesses which have already signed up to the scheme, the local authority also plans to equip a number of Corporation sites with the packs.
Superintendent William Duffy from the City of London Police said that recent attacks on UK cities has been a driving factor in the implementation of the scheme.
“As we have seen over the recent months, in which London and Manchester have been targeted by terrorists, the first aid that is administered within the first few moments following an attack can be lifesaving,” he said.
“Due to the nature of major incidents, the public will inevitably be at the scene. If businesses and other premises have enhanced medical equipment on-site we can give people access to the tools needed to help save lives.”
The first 35 recipients were presented with their packs at a special demonstration on 19 July. It is hoped that after an initial trial period the scheme will be made available to schools and other licensed premises.
Inspector Chris Hay from City of London Police said:
“The aim of this initiative is simple – to augment the ability of first responders and members of the public to treat casualties in the event of a major incident.
The concept works in line with recent recommendations from the London Resilience Board, which is to equip members of the public to help save lives.
The ETPs do this by providing accessible, industry-leading medical supplies to both members of the public and emergency services.
Moreover, having the ETP locations mapped and accessible to City of London Police control room staff enables a co-ordinated response with businesses, assisting to mitigate the impact of a major incident.”
The cost of the kit, estimated at around £450, and its upkeep are the responsibility of the business which purchases them.
“The feedback from the business community has been exceptional, with 34 businesses committing to purchase the kits and over 50 ETPs already being placed within the City footprint,” added inspector Hay.
“Given the initiative is in its infancy, we hope to develop and continue to enhance coverage throughout the City.”
