MPs have backed Essex County Council’s delivery of life-saving bleed control kits as part of Knife Crime Awareness Week.
Deputy Leader Councillor Louise McKinlay joined MPs in Westminster as the council funds 60 new bleed control kits across Essex.
Each £100 kit contains equipment to stem life-threatening bleeding until emergency services arrive. This includes a tourniquet and trauma gauze, among other items.
Kits have so far been set up in accessible areas across Dunmow and Maldon, including shops, pubs and community hubs. The council now looks to distribute the remaining kits throughout the rest of the county over the next couple of months.
The kits have received public attention for helping victims of violent crime. However, they can also be used in other circumstances, such as traffic accidents or severe falls.
The council’s funding contributes to ongoing efforts by local anti-knife crime campaigner, Julie Taylor.
Julie’s grandson, Liam, 19, was tragically killed in Writtle in 2020. Since then, Julie set up The Liam Taylor Legacy.
The local initiative raises money in Liam’s memory to fund and distribute bleed control kits across the county.
Julie is also pushing for tighter controls around knives and increased punishments for people carrying them. Her work has seen her meet with Government Ministers, MPs and police representatives, locally and nationally, in an effort to stamp out knife crime.
Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Levelling Up, Communities and Business Engagement, said: “Obviously, we hope these kits never have to be used. But in the unfortunate event they do, we are pleased that even more communities will have access to them.
“I would urge local people to find out where their nearest kit is and for businesses to make people aware that they have one. Knowing this could help to save a life.”
Stephen Metcalfe MP said: “I am always pleased to support initiatives that make a difference to our community. I congratulate Julie on her campaign and thank Essex County Council for their support, the increased availability of the kits will potentially save lives and ensure other families don’t suffer in the way Julie’s has.”
Julie Taylor said: “This is the largest number of bleed kits we’ve had donated in one go and I’m proud to share them with venues across the county in Liam’s name. While I hope they don’t need to be used, it is important that people know where they are and what to do should an incident occur. These kits really could be the difference between life and death.”
