Emergency Bleed Control Kit No.7 installed at St John’s Church, Polegate

Polegate has further strengthened its emergency response capability with the installation of a 7th Emergency Bleed Control Kit located at St John’s Church, Polegate.

The installation has been delivered by the Polegate Community Foundation, working in partnership with the team at St John’s Church to ensure this vital, life-saving equipment is accessible to the public. Sussex Police attended the installation of the latest kit, highlighting the importance of partnership working in improving community safety. The Foundation has expressed its thanks to the church for supporting community safety by hosting the cabinet on its premises.

Bleed control kits are designed to provide immediate assistance in the event of a serious bleeding emergency, helping to save lives in the critical moments before emergency services arrive. Alongside Polegate’s extensive network of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), this initiative means the town is now one of the most well-equipped in the country for publicly accessible life-saving equipment.

What to Do in a Bleeding Emergency

In the event of a serious bleeding incident, members of the public are advised to:

1. Ensure an ambulance has been requested
2. Locate the nearest bleed control cabinet
3. Call 999 and ask for Sussex Police
4. State the location and request the cabinet access code

A Growing Vision for Community Safety

Since launching in 2024, the Polegate Community Foundation has focused on installing publicly accessible bleed control kits in secure cabinets across the local area. While the initiative began in Polegate, it has already expanded into neighbouring communities, with locations now including Willingdon, Pevensey and Stone Cross, ensuring immediate support is available in times of crisis.

The Foundation’s ambitions continue to extend further. By working in partnership with schools, community groups and local authorities, it aims to create a wider network of preparedness across surrounding areas, empowering individuals and helping to safeguard lives.

Ongoing Commitment

The Polegate Community Foundation has pledged to:

• Expand access to life-saving kits across schools and communities
• Ensure all equipment is maintained, kept up to date and replaced when used
• Sustain growth through grants, fundraising and community partnerships

This work is driven by a simple but powerful belief: every life matters, and every community deserves the tools to protect it.