Lichfield and Burntwood libraries now hold bleed control kits for serious injuries, and staff are trained to use them. Here is when each library is open.

Lichfield Library and Burntwood Library now each hold a bleed control kit. The kits carry equipment to help control serious bleeding while an ambulance is on its way.

They are among 16 Staffordshire libraries to get the kits, Staffordshire County Council announced on 10 November. Library staff have been trained to use them. The kits are available whenever the library is open.

Where the kits are, and when you can reach them

Library Address Open
Lichfield Library The Guild of St Mary’s Centre, Market Square, WS13 6LG Mon, Wed, Fri 8.30am to 5pm; Tue, Thu 8.30am to 6pm; Sat 9am to 4pm
Burntwood Library Bridge Cross Road, WS7 2BX Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 9am to 5pm; Tue 9am to 7pm; Sat 10am to 4pm

Both libraries are closed on Sundays. The opening times are from each library’s page on the county council website.

Outside those hours, the kits in the libraries cannot be reached. The UK Bleed Control Kit Map, which the county council points to, shows other kits near you. The council says 28 of its other sites already had kits before the library roll-out.

Why libraries

Anthony Screen, the county council’s cabinet member for community safety and resilience, said libraries were “well-used, accessible places” and “a sensible location for these kits”.

“We hope they are never needed,” he said, “but having the right equipment available, along with trained staff, provides an additional first-aid resource for the community and could help save lives while emergency services are on their way.”

The other libraries with kits are Biddulph, Burton, Cannock, Codsall, Kidsgrove, Leek, Newcastle, Perton, Rugeley, Stafford, Stone, Tamworth, Uttoxeter and Wombourne. Tamworth and Rugeley are the nearest to the Lichfield district.

What it means for you

  • In an emergency, call 999 first. The kits are for use while you wait for the ambulance, not instead of it.
  • If you are near either library during opening hours, tell the library staff. They have been trained to use the kit.
  • Check the bleed map now, before you need it, to see where the nearest kits are to your home, school or workplace.