Hundreds of emergency ‘trauma kits’ are set to be installed in venues and public places across Manchester city centre.
In a bid to “address the care gap” that was identified during the recent Manchester Arena Inquiry, and to make sure that everyone “has the ability to be a lifesaver” in the future, it has been confirmed that every city centre hotel, and dozens of licensed venues in Manchester, are soon to be provided with emergency trauma kits.
The dozens of new PAcT (Public Access Trauma) Kits will help prevent the tragic loss of life during major incidents that may occur in the future – such as terror attacks, or scenes where multiple people have been seriously or potentially-fatally injured.
We've partnered with @CityCo and @Steroplast to provide venues with emergency trauma kits.
The kits will help venues and members of the public keep people safe in an emergency, and provide care, whilst waiting for medical assistance.
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) July 31, 2024
The public – including first responders, emergency services, and hospitality staff – will be able to use the kits to administer first aid or treatment prior to medical professionals arriving on the scene.
ADVERTISEMENT
100 PAcT Kits purchased by the Council will be distributed to ensure every part of the city has coverage, while a further 77 kits are also being rolled-out to all hotels based in the city centre within the Accommodation BID.
“Basic yet vital equipment needed to care for injured people in an emergency” will be contained inside the new kits – including protective equipment, trauma dressings, tourniquets and bandages.
ADVERTISEMENT
Instructions will also be included so that anyone, no matter their training, could be able to save a life if needed.
The Council says the roll-out will mean “anyone can be a lifesaver” / Credit: Manchester City Council (via Facebook)
It comes after the Government made a commitment to enacting legislation that makes it mandatory for venues to have counter-terror measures in place as part of ‘Martyn’s Law’ – a campaign named in honour of Manchester Arena attack victim, Martyn Hett, and spearheaded by his mother, Figen Murray OBE.
“Any loss of life is a tragedy,” admitted Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, who is the Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council, “but this is why we are taking proactive steps to ensure that no one in Manchester dies because help may be too far away.”
ADVERTISEMENT
“What we are doing here is bridging the gap between emergency response and the initial incident.
“We cannot replicate the incredible skill of our paramedics and first responders, but we can empower people by providing the skills to turn them into everyday lifesavers.”
Featured Image – Steroplast (via X)
News
Trafford Centre begins months-long refurb of its iconic The Orient foodhall
Emily Sergeant
A new era for The Orient is on the horizon, as the Trafford Centre has begun its months-long refresh of its iconic foodhall.
Forming part of its ongoing commitment to ‘enhancing the visitor experience’, the Trafford Centre is investing in a major refresh of seating and customer facilities within The Orient – creating a more vibrant and welcoming environment for guests to eat, meet and relax.
Works are now underway and will be delivered in phases over the coming months.
Improvements are being carried out in phases to minimise disruption to shoppers, while creating a more comfortable and contemporary dining environment at the same time.
The refreshed area will increase seating capacity by more than 60%, introducing a range of new seating styles in the process – including banquettes, family-friendly tables, accessible seating for guests with mobility requirements, and dedicated areas equipped with phone and laptop charging facilities.
The Trafford Centre begins months-long refurb of its iconic The Orient foodhall / Credit: The Manc Group
Inspired by The Orient’s longstanding maritime heritage, the design takes cues from a contemporary cruise liner, and the space will also feature upgraded furniture and enhanced lighting, alongside flexible areas designed to encourage visitors to spend more time in there.
There’ll also be modern furnishings and a ‘refreshed’ colour palette to create a brighter and welcoming environment.
“The Orient is one of the most popular destinations within Trafford Centre, welcoming millions of visitors each year,” a Trafford Centre spokesperson said on the refurb.
“This investment reflects our commitment to continually improving the experience for our guests, creating a more modern, comfortable and social environment where visitors can meet, dine and spend time together.
“The improvements will not only significantly increase seating capacity but also deliver a much more flexible and accessible space for all visitors to enjoy.”
Featured Image – The Manc Group
News
Uber has officially started trialling driverless taxis in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
It’s official… driverless taxis have hit the streets of Manchester.
As the leading transportation company looks to bring robotaxis to other major cities around the UK, it has been confirmed that a trial of autonomous vehicles is now underway in Manchester – with the services being operated using the technology of Uber’s partner firms, Pony and Verne.
Uber said it was ‘excited’ to take this first step toward ‘making this technology accessible’ to people across the UK.
The three companies first collaborated on the deployment of a commercial robotaxi service back in March of this year, combining Pony.ai’s autonomous driving system, Uber’s global mobility platform, and Verne’s service ecosystem and operational framework.
At this time, there has been no official application to launch passenger services in Manchester, according to The Guardian.
However, posts on various social media platforms – such as X, LinkedIn, and Instagram – by each of the companies this week have confirmed that trials are underway in the city.
“New technologies play an increasingly important role in the growth of our city region,” TfGM said. “But they need to be introduced responsibly, safely and with real thought about what it means for our residents.
“Safety will always be our top priority, and we will need strong assurances that no vehicles will operate on our roads that pose any risk to residents.”
Manchester, we’re on our way! Today, we’re announcing that we’re partnering with @Verne_robotaxi and @PonyAI_tech to pilot autonomous vehicles in Manchester. Building on our service together in Zagreb, Gen-7 Robotaxis are now testing in Manchester.
We’re excited to take this first step toward making this technology accessible to people across the UK. 🇬🇧
“By bringing together Pony.ai’s proven autonomous driving technology, Verne’s operational and market expertise, and Uber’s global platform, we’re taking an important step toward making autonomous ride-hailing available to more riders in more places.”
Emily Sergeant -
30th July 2024 
