Colmore BID launches upskilling personal safety programme for local businesses

31 January 2023

We are proud to launch a free upskilling programme to teach businesses and individuals life-saving safety skills. 

As a Business Improvement District, we are responsible for delivering projects, initiatives and services in Birmingham’s commercial and professional services quarter. We urge all businesses and hospitality venues in the District to sign up for a free Trauma Equipment Awareness programme to teach staff valuable life-saving safety skills. 

Launched in partnership with West Midlands Fire Service, the 90-minute programme will explore how to use medical tools in times of need, such as bleed kits and defibrillators. Attendees will learn how to use the equipment effectively to equip people across the District with essential skills to treat life-threatening injuries. 

We are committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for businesses and visitors to the area. In conjunction with the Daniel Baird Foundation, West Midlands Fire Service, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and Birmingham City Council, we have already helped to install over 40 bleed kits across the city centre – six of which are in Colmore BID and one public access bleed control kit located on Colmore Row for use in emergencies.  

The Trauma Equipment Awareness session is part of our wider strategy to upskill the District and wider city centre, providing individuals with vital safety skills to enable them to care for those in need. 

Speaking of the training, Kate Bailey, Colmore BID Board Director and lead of the Safe and Sound Working Group, said:  

‘’Although it is rare, it is important for us all to have the confidence and knowledge to act swiftly in the face of an emergency. Colmore BID is committed to upskilling the local area. Since 2009, our Safe and Sound Working Group has been instrumental in delivering projects such as the Ask for Angela scheme and this programme – to ensure the safety of those living, working, or visiting the area. Our Street Operations Team has continued to provide a visible presence in the District.  

‘’However, it is important for us all to remain vigilant and look after ourselves and those around us, whether at work or home. We all have a part to play in keeping each other safe. We urge all businesses in the Colmore Business District to sign up for this valuable and life-changing training programme.’’  

The Trauma Equipment Awareness session is available to all businesses and hospitality venues in the Colmore Business District.  

To find out more and to express interest in the programme, please email John-Jo Von Johnson, Colmore BID’s Street Operations Manager, at John-jo.vonjohnson@colmorebid.co.uk.