A group of volunteers is raising money to install bleed kits across Waltham Forest, so that help is close at hand in the minutes that matter most.
Bleed Kits Now has been set up to raise awareness of the kits, which can save lives in the critical moments after incidents such as stabbings or accidents, before an ambulance arrives.
Founder James Russell previously worked with the Binning Knives Saves Lives campaign, which aimed to take knives off the streets.
A basic bleed kit contains a vented chest seal, gauze, a tourniquet, various dressings, shears and other items designed to stop bleeding. Kits can already be found at the King Ford Wetherspoons pub and at the Nationwide Building Society at Chingford Mount.
The group plans to raise money through a charity event and donate the kits to The Daniel Baird Foundation, a registered charity, which will install them in local pubs, clubs, cafes, community centres and libraries in the borough. Once donated, the kits are registered with the emergency services, so call handlers can direct people to the nearest one when it is needed.
The foundation was set up by Lynne Baird MBE after her son was fatally stabbed. She has supported Bleed Kits Now, and has been described as an "inspiration and driving force" for bleed control kits in the UK.
The group says it has had significant backing from local residents and from Valley ward councillor Afzal Akram, who advised on ward funding.
The fundraiser takes place at the Royal British Legion on Hall Lane, Chingford, on 5 December, with live entertainment from local performers, raffle prizes donated by local businesses and food provided by neighbours.
The group is non-profit, and says 100 percent of the money raised goes towards buying more kits.
