All 27 trams – plus support vehicles – in Edinburgh are set to carry emergency bandage kits as part of a joint initiative with charity RAPAID Emergency Bandages.
RAPAID Emergency Bandages have operated since 2020 to distribute their bandage kits, which include military-grade bandages. They have worked alongside transport partners and major events in the UK to make them available as widely as possible.
200 Central Taxis in Edinburgh already carry the packs and now Edinburgh Trams will be joining the initiative. The kits will be stored in tram cabs and if required members of the public can speak to onboard staff or press the emergency help points on tram stops or onboard trams. The contents of the kit can help prevent serious blood loss following accidents or other major incidents.
Don McClurg, Edinburgh Trams Head of Safety, said: “As well as lifesaving defibrillators, which have been available on trams since 2017, we are proud to contribute to this initiative, which reinforces our commitment to supporting our community and puts the safety of everyone at the heart of Edinburgh Trams.
“Having RAPAID kits available on our 27 trams and support fleet should ensure they are readily accessible to people across the city, should they ever be required.”
The scheme has been made possible through the support of Babcock International Group.
Sir Nick Hine, Chief Executive of Babcock’s Marine Sector, said: “Supporting this vital initiative, which puts lifesaving equipment directly into the heart of our community, reflects our ongoing commitment to safety and community wellbeing. “At Babcock, safety is at the core of everything we do and helping to make Edinburgh a safer place through practical, accessible solutions like these bandage kits, is something we’re honoured to be part of.”
Alex Chivers, founder of RAPAID, commented: “It made perfect sense to put these bandage kits onto the Edinburgh trams that are in the heart of the community. A severe haemorrhage can be fatal within minutes, so the quicker treatment begins, the better your chances of survival and having the bandages readily available could save a life while help is on its way”.