Terror trauma pack scheme expanded
Dozens of officers across the City of London will receive emergency medical training after four terror attacks struck the capital last year.
City of London Police plans to train 60 officers in the use of emergency trauma packs, which will be stored in locations across the Square Mile.
Twelve officers have already been taught how to administer the specialist kits, which contain face masks, adhesive dressings, ice packs and more.
The force believes they will help officers save more lives in the event of another terrorist incident following the four that hit London in 2017.
Inspector Chris Hay said: “The purpose of this scheme is simple. We want to boost the ability of our front line police officer to treat casualties in the event of a major incident.
“Unfortunately the threat to the UK from international terrorism is “severe”, meaning an attack is highly likely. As we have seen over the past year in the UK, the first aid treatment which is carried out within the first few moments following an attack can be life-saving.
“By having our officers trained, it means we can respond rapidly to these emergencies and can hopefully save lives. We hope to develop and continue our officer training and hope to increase the coverage of the packs throughout the City.”
The emergency trauma pack scheme was first launched last July in the aftermath of the fatalities and injuries caused by terror attacks at Westminster, London Bridge and Finsbury Park.
A fourth incident, at Parsons Green Underground station in September, did not involve any deaths but 30 people were treated for injuries sustained in the blast.
Around 100 trauma packs have since been issued to businesses across the city, which pay the £469.99 purchase fee and upkeep costs.
Staff at all of the premises have been trained to use the kits, and ‘key holders’ have been appointed who are on call 24 hours a day should a police officer need to access the equipment.
The 12 officers who have already been trained to use trauma packs were drawn from across response policing, the support group, community policing and the transport and highways operations group.
Acting Sergeant Ron Henry, who organised the training, said it has been “very successful”.
He added: “We are constantly working to make the City a safe place to work, live and visit and we hope that by giving our officers advanced medical skills we can do just that.”
