Critical Bleed Control Kits to Be Installed at Eight Llanelli Town Council Sites

Emergency critical bleed control kits will soon be installed at eight Llanelli Town Council sites as part of a new public safety initiative spearheaded by Labour councillor Shaun Greaney.

Lliedi ward councillor Greaney introduced the lifesaving proposal to the council’s Labour group, which he said received “overwhelming support.”

Military Grade Kits Backed by Local Charity

The top of the range, military grade kits are being promoted across South Wales by Melanie James, trustee of the Mumbles based charity Heartbeat Trust UK and a former High Sheriff of West Glamorgan.

James discovered that the kits can fit easily into existing defibrillator cabinets, a finding that has prompted a wider rollout across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, including in schools.

Council Endorses Rollout After Presentation

Councillor Greaney explained:

“After learning in the South Wales Evening Post about Melanie’s voluntary work and the saving of a man’s life in Gorseinon through the use of a kit by Llanelli fire officer Steve Richards, we invited Melanie to speak at last week’s Town Council meeting.
The amazing kits and her impressive and informative address to members led to a unanimous vote to install the kits as early as possible.”

Kits to Be Installed Across Key Community Sites

Eight kits, costing under £1,000 in total, will be installed in the town council’s defibrillator cabinets at:
• Stebonheath Stadium
• The Selwyn Samuel Centre
• Penygaer Changing Rooms
• Bigyn Community Centre
• Glenalla Hall
• Crown Park
• A new defibrillator site at Nightingale Court
• The Old Vicarage

Councillor Greaney described the decision as “an essential addition to our ongoing drive to improve public safety in our town.”

Training and Implementation Plan

He added that the next step involves a legally required report to December’s Buildings and Finance Committee to ensure the kits and accompanying training are provided cost effectively.

Training will cover practical handling, application during major bleed incidents, and basic aftercare procedures.

Support from Deputy Council Leader

Deputy council leader Andre McPherson, who seconded the motion, said:

“Our critical bleed kits will be vital quick action tools. Having the right equipment can mean the difference between life and death.
Placing these kits around our communities, and hopefully seeing other councils introducing them in rural areas, will make a tremendous difference in saving lives.
The cost to the town council is small compared with the potential to save lives.”

He added that he was proud of the council’s proactive stance in improving community safety and hoped other local authorities would follow suit.

Call for Wider Adoption

Following the town council’s decision, Councillor Greaney urged wider implementation, saying:

“I now call on Carmarthenshire County Council to consider purchasing the kits for all its schools, secondary and primary, as soon as possible.”