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.
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.
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.”
“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
A FREE week-long event dedicated to Japan is coming to Manchester
Thomas Melia
An event dedicated to the East Asian country of Japan is making its way to Manchester city centre this month.
Simply titled ‘Japan Week’, this cultural ceremony aims to package up all the things this East Asian country has to offer, such as music and theatre, compiling them into a fantastic five-day showcase.
Taking place this weekend and based over in the ever-flourishing First Street complex – which will serve as the main hub – the festival is open to all.
We love anything that shows off just how multicultural this city is.
On Friday, 5 September, from 3-5pm, you can watch the Japan Week opening ceremony, which is taking place on an outdoor stage at First Street with the running order including dance acts and even ceremonial-style samurai performances.
With so many artistic events and cultural dates taking place in the growing mini-district that is First St (including Jack Rosenthal Street and Tony Wilson Place), it’s the perfect site for this month’s showcase.
This opening procedure is actually called ‘Kagami Biraki’, and if you attend on the day, you’ll be able to see the traditional opening of the sake barrel, which symbolises unlocking good fortune and the spirit of celebration.
Japan Week is coming to First Street in the city centre from Thursday, 4 September to Tuesday, 9 September, and, perhaps best of all, there are absolutely no tickets required.
More events on the Japan Week 2025 programme will also be taking place at other venues too.
Yes, as the goal of the festivities is to spread awareness and celebrate Japanese heritage and its connection to Manchester, the event is completely FREE – as it should be.
Manchester United’s Stadium Sleep Out returns for 2025
Danny Jones
Man United have announced the return of the annual Stadium Sleep Out for 2025, with a bigger fundraising target than ever.
Following a hugely successful inaugural edition back in 2022, the now annual Stadium Sleep Out at Old Trafford is back for another year, with more eyes on the crucial charity event than ever.
Confirming the date for the first stadium sleepover as the colder months approach, people from all over Greater Manchester are being invited to come and help generate money for the local homeless community.
For anyone unfamiliar with the fundraiser, United supporters, general football fans and all manner of Mancs are encouraged to come and take part in the Sleep Out that is held under the lights of the famous football ground.
Raising funds in support of relevant local charities that not only help homeless people throughout the North West and beyond, but have a special focus on vulnerable young adults, to amounts generated go towards helping rough sleepers around the region.
A cause we’re sure you’ll agree we can all get behind.
Make that more like £40,000 raised with Centrpoint last year.
Speaking on the most recent iteration of the Stadium Sleep Out, former academy graduate and now retired pro Danny Simpson told The Manc: “I’m a local boy, so it means something to me to try and help my community in any way I can.
“I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact the Foundation has, and it’s been great to hear about the work they’re doing – it’s been a really positive night.”
Not only is it a touching way to try and raise money for a national crisis, but it’s a window into the prevailing hardships of homelessness.
All participants must be 18 years of age or older, but if you’re interested in swapping your bed for a sleeping bag on 7 November, you can find out more HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
30th July 2024 
