Nottinghamshire Freemasons have successfully secured funding of just over £39,000 from the Masonic Charitable Foundation to significantly expand the reach of the “In This Together – Stop the Bleed” initiative across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
This vital funding will ensure that all 577 East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) publicly accessible defibrillators across Nottinghamshire are equipped with specialist “Stop the Bleed” kits by the end of August 2026. These kits are designed to provide immediate, life-saving assistance in the critical moments following traumatic injuries involving severe bleeding.
The initiative forms part of a wider commitment to community safety, equipping members of the public with the tools and confidence needed to act in emergency situations before professional medical help arrives.
The latest funding builds on the success of earlier “Stop the Bleed” programmes delivered across Nottinghamshire. These initiatives have already seen the installation of bleeding control kits in key locations and have been supported by extensive community training and awareness campaigns.
A central partner in this work has been Academy Transformation Trust Further Education (ATTFE) College, which has played a key role in delivering hands-on training sessions to students, staff and the wider community. These sessions focus on practical skills such as applying tourniquets, wound packing and responding effectively under pressure.
The programme has also been developed in partnership with CitizenAID, a nationally recognised organisation that provides guidance on immediate actions the public can take during emergencies.
Their expertise has helped shape both the training content and the design of the kits, ensuring they are simple, effective and accessible to anyone. East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) is also working as a partner in this initiative.
Severe bleeding can result in death within minutes if not treated promptly. By co-locating “Stop the Bleed” kits with defibrillators—already familiar and widely accessible emergency resources—the initiative maximises the chances of early intervention and survival.
This rollout ensures that communities across both urban and rural parts of Nottinghamshire will have equitable access to life-saving equipment, reinforcing the message that emergency response is a shared responsibility.
The “In This Together” campaign reflects a broader ethos of partnership between charitable organisations, education providers and emergency services. Nottinghamshire Freemasons have been at the forefront of this collaborative effort, demonstrating a sustained commitment to improving public health outcomes and resilience.
A spokesperson for Nottinghamshire Freemasons said:
“This funding represents a major step forward in our mission to help save lives across Nottinghamshire. By ensuring every defibrillator cabinet is equipped with a Stop the Bleed kit, we are empowering communities to act quickly and confidently in emergencies. We are proud to continue working alongside our partners to make Nottinghamshire a safer place for everyone.”
Installation of the kits is already underway, with completion targeted for August 2026. Alongside the rollout, further training sessions and awareness campaigns will continue to be delivered to ensure the public knows how to use the equipment effectively.
The initiative stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared purpose—truly embodying the message: In This Together.
