Glasgow Taxis Introduce Emergency Bandages to Save Lives

Glasgow taxi drivers are now equipped with emergency bandages designed to stop severe bleeding, thanks to a partnership between Rapaid and Patons Insurance. The initiative has provided 50 taxis in the city with military-grade Rapaid kits, making Glasgow the first Scottish city to adopt this life-saving measure. These kits, already in use across several UK cities, aim to offer immediate medical assistance in cases of serious injuries before paramedics arrive.

Each kit contains a specially designed bandage with a built-in pressure pad and tourniquet, along with simple instructions for bystanders to use in an emergency. The taxis carrying these kits are marked with window stickers, making them easily identifiable for those in need of urgent assistance. By placing these kits in taxis, the initiative ensures that life-saving treatment is always close at hand, especially in busy urban areas where ambulances might take longer to arrive.

The latest distribution of these kits took place on March 21 at Patons Insurance’s Charles Street facility, where a large number of local taxi drivers participated. This rollout reflects an ongoing effort to integrate taxis into the city’s emergency response network.

Glasgow Taxis chairman, Dougie McPherson, acknowledged the vital role of taxi drivers in public safety:

"Glasgow's taxi drivers have long been renowned for lending a helping hand to others, and this initiative is just another example of this."

He further highlighted the significance of the program:

"All at Glasgow Taxis are proud to support the rollout of Rapaid emergency bandage kits across a number of vehicles within our fleet, and, as the old cliché goes, if it helps just one person in the future, it will have been more than worth it."

Rosie Gibson, Head of Operations at Patons Insurance, emphasized the practicality of placing emergency kits in taxis:

"People are usually closer to a taxi than to an ambulance, and it makes sense to put these life-saving kits into as many cabs as possible."

She also noted the deep connection between Patons Insurance and the taxi industry:

"Patons was founded by Glasgow taxi drivers, and we want to help make a difference in our home city. The majority of local drivers are Patons customers, and it was great to see others who aren’t also getting involved."

Alex Chivers, founder of Rapaid, explained the urgency of treating severe bleeding:

"With a serious haemorrhage, someone can bleed to death in less than five minutes. The quicker treatment begins, the better the chances of survival, and this can stop severe bleeding instantly."

He expressed gratitude for the support received in Glasgow:

"We have had fantastic support from Dougie and the city’s drivers and are grateful to Patons for helping make it happen."

With over 5,000 Rapaid kits already in taxis across different cities, Glasgow’s participation in the program marks a significant expansion of this life-saving initiative.