A group of volunteers has launched a community campaign, Bleed Kits Now Waltham Forest, to install life-saving bleed control kits in public venues across the borough, according to the East London and West Essex Guardian Series.
The group, called Bleed Kits Now, is raising funds to buy the kits, which are designed to halt catastrophic bleeding in the critical moments after incidents such as stabbings or accidents, before an ambulance arrives.
Founder James Russell previously worked with the Binning Knives Saves Lives campaign, which aimed to remove knives from the streets.
Each kit typically contains a vented chest seal, gauze, a tourniquet, various dressings, shears and other items designed to halt bleeding. Bleed kits can already be found at the King Ford Wetherspoons pub and the Nationwide Building Society at Chingford Mount.
The group will donate the kits to The Daniel Baird Foundation, the registered charity established by Lynne Baird MBE after her son was fatally stabbed. The foundation will install them in pubs, clubs, cafes, community centres and libraries across Waltham Forest.
Once donated, the kits will be registered with the emergency services, allowing call handlers to guide callers to the nearest kit when required.
Ms Baird has lent the campaign her support, and the group describes her as an “inspiration and driving force” for bleed control kits in the UK.
The campaign has also won the backing of Valley ward councillor Afzal Akram, who has advised the group on ward funding, alongside support from local residents.
A charity fundraising event will be held at the Royal British Legion on Hall Lane, Chingford, on 5 December, with live entertainment from local performers, raffle prizes donated by local businesses and food provided by locals. The group says it is a non-profit entity, with 100 per cent of the money raised going towards buying more kits.
