Bleed kits put around town by youth charity

Three bleed kits are already up in Luton, with more planned

A mentoring charity that is putting up bleed kits across a town said many young people felt like “they are living in a war zone”.

Wingman Mentors in Luton works with vulnerable young people and those at risk of criminal exploitation.

Director Si Philbert said it was “really apparent” that many young people who are victims of knife crime “need to know what to do” if faced with a serious injury.

The charity is working with local businesses to provide public kits that can stem bleeding until emergency services arrive.

• Listen: Critical bleed kits for Luton

The kits are created by the Daniel Baird Foundation Charity, which was set up after 26-year-old Daniel was fatally stabbed in Birmingham in 2017.

“We see a lot of young people who have a man bag with them, and a lot of them have a knife inside.

"This is about trying to change the narrative and provide skills to stem a bleed, should they come across a friend who needed help,” said Mr Philbert.

They could be used for any situation including dog attacks or vehicle accidents.

The kits contain a tourniquet, chest seal and dressing to help stop blood flow, as well as blankets, scissors and protective equipment.

The bleed kits contain materials to stop bleeding as well as protective gear and a blanket

Operations Director Michelle Kane said: “The key part is to stem the bleed until services arrive – it is only there as an assistant”.

She said a number of local businesses and organisations had funded the cost of the first three kits and also offered a town centre site to host them.

“Publicans have also been really supportive, as they’re part of the night-time economy,” she added.

Wingman Mentors wants to spread the kits out beyond the town centre, and further into Bedfordshire.

“We hope to have the town saturated with bleed kits.

"But this is not just about Luton - we want to move out to other areas like Leighton Buzzard, which has a longer emergency response time,” said Ms Kane.

Michelle Kane and Si Philbert plan to train young people in first aid and use of bleed kits

Mr Philbert said young people had been “really receptive” to receiving training in first aid and bleed kits.

“I try to empower them to look after themselves. I didn't want people to think we’re providing them with something that makes them feel invincible, but I think it’s the opposite effect.

“This is a public health situation. It's not just young people, it’s adults losing their lives too.”