Kent Police Doc Wins National Award for Life-Saving Innovation
A Kent Special Constabulary inspector has bagged a national award for a clever idea that’s already saving lives across the county.
Emergency Trauma Packs Put into Action
On 11 March 2020, Special Inspector Jonathan Townsend was honoured at a ceremony at Durham County Cricket Ground. The award, handed over by Chief Constable Mike Cunningham, celebrates his work in turning tactical medicine into everyday police practice.
Townsend, a full-time doctor volunteering with Kent Police, developed Emergency Trauma Packs. These kits contain lifesaving gear like tourniquets and advanced bandages. They’ve been deployed in public venues and police vehicles, already credited with saving several lives.
From Doctor to Life-Saving Policeman
Jonathon has been volunteering with Kent Special Constabulary for three years, blending his medical skills with policing. Thanks to funding from the Violence Reduction Unit, led by Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott, another 500 packs are now being rolled out countywide.
He’s also led medical training within Kent’s Tactical Medicine and Public Order Training Units, boosting officers’ ability to handle emergencies on the ground.
“I am really humbled to have received this award and it highlights all the hard work put in by the Emergency Trauma Pack team,” Townsend said.
“It’s a great privilege to combine my skills from my day job with policing. I think the public can feel reassured knowing we’ll do all we can to reduce harm when officers attend incidents.”
Special Constables: Police Power, Part-Time Heroes
Special Constables in Kent train and equipment like full-time cops but volunteer at least 16 hours a month, patrolling, investigating, and making arrests unpaid.
Superintendent Jason Wenlock praised Townsend’s work: “The trauma packs are a great idea that will really help our officers and the public save lives.”
Meanwhile, Chief Constable Mike Cunningham applauded all award winners for their dedication: “It’s a great pleasure to recognise these officers, staff and volunteers who truly deserve special praise.”
