Emergency trauma kits for access by the public have been installed in 13 strategic locations in Huddersfield and Holmfirth.

Public Access Trauma (PAcT) first aid kits were created by St John Ambulance and include vital life-saving equipment.

They are designed to be used by anyone, even those without first aid training, to help people before emergency services arrive. The kits contain wound dressings, tourniquets and clear instructions about how to use the equipment.

The kits are being rolled out across Kirklees and all locations will display a specially designed sticker in a prominent place.

Funding for the kits was secured by West Yorkshire Police in conjunction with Counter Terrorism Policing North East, via a successful bid to the Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin’s Safer Communities Fund.

This was part of ongoing work delivered by the regional Protect and Prepare Group, to protect and assist the public in case of a major incident. The bid was made on behalf of all five policing districts within West Yorkshire, and successfully secured enough funding to purchase approximately 100 kits, which will be distributed across the county.

Kirklees district was chosen as the pilot location for the kits due to their ongoing work with the Safe Zones scheme, which was launched in 2022. The project saw partners including West Yorkshire Police, Kirklees Council and Barnardo’s collaborate to create more than 230 safe spaces across Kirklees for those at risk, including women and children.

All the locations chosen for the first aid kits are also part of this safeguarding initiative.

The businesses that have signed up to receive a kit will also be receiving free first aid training from Huddersfield-based Purple Dog Ltd.

Mayor Brabin said: “In emergency situations, having access to the right first aid equipment can make all the difference. Many local businesses have signed up, showing the strength of our community spirit here in Kirklees.

“While I hope they’re never needed, I’d encourage residents to look out for these kits as they may just save lives.”

Clr Mussarat Pervaiz, Kirklees Council’s Cabinet member for communities, said: “I am delighted we are working together with our police partners on this pilot scheme to provide protection and assistance to our communities and residents across Kirklees in case of a major incident.

“I hope these kits are never required but, if they are, we’re prepared for an immediate response.”

Kits have been installed in the following locations in Huddersfield and Holmfirth:

Huddersfield
•    Huddersfield Bus Station
•    Huddersfield Leisure Centre
•    Kingsgate Centre
•    John Smith’s Stadium
•    McDonald’s, Kirkgate
•    The Conservatory, Park Avenue
•    The Parish, The Old Courthouse
•    Unit 11/12, The Ringway Centre, Beck Road
•    Tesco superstore, Viaduct Street
•    Crown pub, Westgate

Holmfirth
•    Picturedrome, Market Walk
•    Co-op, Market Street
•    Holmfirth Library.