Life-saving trauma kits have been installed in nine Worcestershire libraries.

The first-aid equipment, designed to help manage bleeding before paramedics arrive, includes trauma dressings, chest seals, and tourniquets.

The initiative, funded by Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health team, aims to make the kits available for public use, with or without formal first-aid training.

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Councillor David Ross, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at the council, said: "This investment by Public Health in trauma kits will truly save lives.

"In an emergency situation, early intervention makes all the difference because casualties can die of blood loss within minutes."

The libraries currently equipped with the trauma kits are Bromsgrove, Evesham, Kidderminster, Malvern, Redditch, Stourport, The Hive, Warndon, and Woodrow.

There are plans to install more kits in other public places across the county.

Councillor Karen May, cabinet member for communities at the council, said: "I am so pleased that we have installed these potentially life-saving trauma kits in libraries, it really adds to their role as trusted, accessible and safe community hubs."

The locations of the trauma kits have been mapped onto ambulance service computer systems to make people aware if there is a kit nearby that they can use while waiting for the ambulance service to arrive.

The initiative coincides with 'Save a Life September', a campaign encouraging people to ensure their first aid kits are well stocked and to refresh their first aid skills.

The council recommends visiting the Saint John’s Ambulance website for more information, where people can order a free first aid pocket guide, watch ‘how to’ first aid videos, and purchase first aid supplies.

Cllr Ross added: "This Save a Life September, I’d encourage everyone to check their first aid kits are up to date and learn or refresh their first aid skills.

"You never know when you might need them."