Free bleed kit training offered after teen's death

One of the bleed control kits installed by Owen's World with CEO Joanne Davis

Free training in the use of bleed control kits is being offered to people in Swindon.

Two days of sessions are being run to teach the public what to do with the kits, which contain a tourniquet, bandages and a foil blanket.

They are being organised by Owen's World Foundation, set up in memory of Owen Dunn, 18, who died after being stabbed in the town in 2022.

Bleed kits have been placed in venues around Swindon, but the group was concerned that people did not know how to use them.

CEO of Owen's World, Joanne Davis said: "It can be quite scary and daunting as a member of the public opening the kit for the first time."

Owen's World, which provides support for young people and campaigns to raise awareness of knife crime, works closely with the police, the council and local parents.

"We've had a lot of other charities and people contact us, so we're starting to provide more services and more people want to get involved and help," Ms Davis said.

The bleed kits have already been placed in venues around Swindon

The training will be led by expert instructors and will guide participants through essential techniques and the use of equipment found in the bleed kits.

Ms Davis said: "It will teach them the basics.

"You can just bleed to death so quickly - you have five minutes for your body to empty its blood supply.

"The more we can get trained up with just that little bit of knowledge, we'll be happy," she added.

Two teenagers were jailed after being convicted of Owen Dunn's murder

"With Owen, and where he was wounded, it wouldn't have saved him, but hopefully it will save someone else," Ms Davis said.

Three training sessions are taking place each day on 27 April and 4 May.

Two teenagers were found guilty of Owen's murder after a trial.

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