Hundreds of live-saving kits are being distributed across the county in what has been described as a UK first.

More than 500 of the emergency trauma packs will be handed out to Kent businesses and venues for use in the event of major medical emergencies such as a stabbing, terrorist attack or a road accident.

Around £25,000 has been spent on the packs by the Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit, led by police and crime commissioner Matthew Scott.

Last year Maidstone became the first town in the county to distribute the kits to town centre traders, when Kent Police and the One Maidstone Business Improvement District (BID) worked together on the scheme.

Each red bag contains simple items such as enhanced dressings and gauzes to help keep an injured person alive until emergency services arrive.

Ch Insp Nick Sparkes, who has led the project at Kent Police, said: "Kent is a safe place to live, work and visit but sometimes accidents happen, and unfortunately sometimes serious crime happens in our communities.

"In those rare instances, these easy-to-use packs are designed to empower members of the public, businesses and first responders to prevent potentially fatal blood loss until the emergency services arrive and take over."

"We hope that the need to use this kind of equipment never arises..."

Police officers and PCSOs are already trained on how to use the packs, and each kit also contains easy-to-follow instructions.

Ashford Borough Council started distributing the kits, which come in two different sizes, this week.

Council community safety officer Laurel Niven said: "This is a great collective opportunity to bring partners together to help make the town centre a safer place, as well as supporting the night time economy."

It is hoped the trauma packs will become as commonplace as defibrillators. The contents of each pack has a shelf-life of five years.

The scheme to distribute the kits in Maidstone was branded a success, with locations including Fremlin Walk, McDonald’s in Week Street, The Brenchley and The Mall among those equipped with the packs.

Speaking when the kits introduced in the county town, BID manager Ilsa Butler said: "Whilst we hope that the need to use this kind of equipment never arises, it's important that venues and businesses within the town centre are prepared for emergency situations."

Last summer student Andre Bent died after being stabbed outside the county town's Gallery Nightclub in Bank Street.

Although volunteers from the Urban Blue Bus charity battled to save his life, he died as a result of his wounds.

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