Essex fire stations equipped with life-saving kits after new funding
Bleed Prevention Kits aim to save lives across the county
Every fire station in Essex will now be equipped with bleed kits in a bid to save lives across the county.
The kits are designed to help manage severe bleeding before emergency services can arrive, and they include advanced dressings, chest seals, tourniquets, and protective equipment.
If needed, individuals can call 999 and request guidance from the Ambulance Service on how to retrieve in a similar system to public defibrillators.
The scheme is being funded by Essex County Council and follows a campaign by Julie Taylor, who set up the Liam Taylor Legacy in honour of her grandson, who was tragically stabbed to death in 2020. She shared her pride in expanding the initiative:
"From the beginning, the aim of The Liam Taylor Legacy has been clear - to make sure people have the chance to help save a life in those first critical moments after a serious injury.
“Every additional Bleed Prevention Kit placed in a community is another opportunity to prevent tragedy. Seeing this initiative expand so that every Essex fire station will have a kit in place means Liam’s legacy will continue helping to protect others."
There were already 25 Bleed Prevention Kits located at various fire stations throughout Essex.
Additionally, more than 650 public venues across the county, including pubs, community venues, and visitor attractions, host these kits to ensure their accessibility.
Karl Edwards, Director of Digital and Infrastructure at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, expressed pride in supporting Julie’s initiative, stating that fire stations are trusted community locations for these kits:
""We hope they are never needed, but when an emergency happens, having the right equipment close at hand can save precious minutes - and lives.
"This investment builds on our funding for 60 bleed kits in public spaces across Essex, bringing our total commitment to more than £20,000."
Councillor Louise McKinlay from Essex County Council emphasised the importance of these kits and the council’s financial commitment of over £20,000 to enhance community safety.
Roger Hirst MBE, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, reiterated the collaborative efforts to tackle knife crime and protect communities:
"“There can never be any complacency when it comes to knife crime. The impact on communities, families and loved ones where knife-related crimes have claimed victims is long-lasting. That is why beating knife crime is one of my central priorities. "