GREAT news for Essex as they have set up 60 new bleed kits as part of the county council’s community safety efforts.

MP’s have backed the delivery of life-saving bleed control kits provided by Essex County Council, as part of knife crime awareness week.

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.”

Each kit, which costs £100 contains helpful equipment for life-threatening bleeding until emergency services arrive.

The kit includes a tourniquet and trauma gauze along with other items.

The kits have so far been set up in areas across Dunmow and Maldon, which include shops and pubs. The council now looks to distribute these kits elsewhere across the county.

The kits have received attention for helping victims of violent crime but can be used in other circumstances such as traffic accidents.

Local anti-knife crime campaigner, Julie Taylor, who lost her grandson Liam aged just 19, as a result of knife crime, has been campaigning for the cause.

Subsequent to her grandsons death, Julie set up the Liam Taylor legacy, which funds and distributes kits across the county.

Julie is also pushing for tighter controls and increased punishments around knife crime. Her work has seen her meet with government ministers, MP’s and police representatives across the country in an effort to counter-act knife crime.

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.”