Community panel spearheads installation of more lifesaving kits
More life-saving trauma cabinets have been installed in Darlington as part of a community group’s latest efforts to improve the lives and safety of those living and working in the Northgate and North Road area of town.
Cabinets have already been installed in key locations in the town centre, including The Turk’s Head, Market Hall/town clock, Feetham’s multi storey car park and Rosie’s Tavern - and the Northgate and North Road Community Cohesion Panel (NNCCP) has now secured more to spread across the two wards.
The new cabinets are accessible to the public 24 hours a day and can be found at Hopetown Darlington, the Arthur Wharton Foundation in Widdowfield Street, Salvation Army Shop in North Road, The Well Methodist Church in North Road, YMCA Darlington at Aspen House, Chesnut Street and Darlington College.
Launched last year, the NNCCP brings together local residents and businesses to identify and tackle issues in their area, working with Darlington Borough Council, Durham Constabulary, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service and others with the support of funding from the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner’s office.
As well as defibrillators, the cabinets include bleed kits with items such as pressure bandages, tourniquets and gloves and will enable members of the public to take action prior to an ambulance arriving at the scene.
The council's community safety team will monitor the cabinets and replenish when necessary. Durham Constabulary is aware and can advise anyone of the locations and combination number to gain access if required.
Janet Bowles, local resident and chair of the NNCCP, said: “This is just the latest project we’ve been working on to enhance and improve our area and hope it will ensure extra equipment is there as and when needed.
“Other projects have included increased street lighting in Havelock Street and the Havelock Centre area, support for the local YMCA, Future Pathways and Ward Degnans Boxing Cub to offer youth provision to prevent anti-social behaviour and the purchase of trail cameras to help tackle fly tipping.
“But our work is ongoing,and we’re keen for more people to get involved – simply join us at our one of our meetings to find out more and raise any issues.”
Councillor Jim Garner, the council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “It’s great to see the efforts of Janet and the other panel members are already making a difference and I’d also like to thank Richard Garrett, our stronger communities manager and Les Dunn, project officer, in our community safety team for all their work supporting the panel.
“We look forward to continue working with Janet, her fellow panel members and our partners to help improve the area for the benefit of all who live and work there.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said: “Darlington remains a safe town and does not experience the same level of incidents seen in the larger metropolitan areas. Alongside partners, I am determined to keep it that way.
“These packs will enable members of the public to intervene immediately when someone has suffered a traumatic injury, giving them the best possible chance of survival. Evidence shows that the minutes immediately following an injury, prior to paramedics arriving at the scene, are critical and so I have no doubt these kits will potentially save lives.
“I would like to thank our partners for locating the kits in high footfall areas to ensure they are visible and available for anyone needing to use the equipment in an emergency.”
Inspector David Littlefair, from the Darlington Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The early stages of a violent incident or serious medical episode are often the most important in terms of delivering life-saving medical care.
“These cabinets will assist members of the public to provide a rapid response prior to the arrival of emergency services, which ultimately could save someone’s life.
“Our hope is that they are never required, but it’s reassuring to have these kits available to provide essential life-saving care to someone should they ever need it.”
For more information or to report any issues relating to the trauma cabinets contact Richard Garrett, community safety manager on 01325 403261 or email [email protected] or Les Dunn, business support officer, on 01325 403297 or email [email protected]
You can also find useful tips and information about planning ahead to get home safe after a night out at www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/stay-safe
The NNCCP generally meets monthly at the United Reformed Church, 150-154 Northgate, on Wednesdays starting at 6pm. The next meetings are scheduled for 23 July, 24 September, 22 October and 26 November. If you would like to find out more please contact the NNCCP chair Janet Bowles by emailing [email protected] or the council’s Community Safety Team at [email protected].
Photo caption L-R: Richard Garrett, stronger communities manager; Les Dunn, project officer; Sgt Paul Vardy and Graham Hall, deputy PCC.