First bleed kit installed at Birmingham primary school

A bleed kit has been installed at a primary school in Sutton Coldfield for the first time ever.

It's part of an ongoing life saving project happening in the city, and is now one of three in the Sutton Coldfield area.

The bleed kit itself is specialist first aid function, that is designed to be used by members of the public before paramedics arrive.

Cabinets cost around £600 to buy and most in the city have been done through fundraising or money through organisations.

However, the start of bleed kits in the city began with Lynne Baird, who founded the Daniel Baird Foundation.

Daniel was 26 when he died from a knife attack, which caused catastrophic bleeding with no access to a first aid kit or bleed control kit.

Lynne, along with Zoe Bishop PCSO at West Midlands Police, have been campaigning to install bleed kits in as many places as possible.

Their future aim is to have a bleed kit on nearly every street in Birmingham.

Lynne Baird, was at the unveiling of the bleed kit, and said: "They've actually saved lives, and it's not just about violent crimes.

"I think that's why there's some negativity around it, because people see it being associated to that, but it isn't.

"Yes, it can be used for violent crime, but it can also be used for simple accidents."

The third bleed kit at Moor Hall Primary School was funded by the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council and Councillor Ewan Mackey.

Speaking at the school, Councillor Ewan Mackey said: "I'm really happy about it and I'm glad we've got Zoe Bishop and Lynne Baird here, who have worked so hard for this, and just given me the opportunity to help them.

"These are kits to keep the whole community safe and will hopefully keep people alive until the paramedics get there."

With the kit being installed on the gates of the primary school, pupils have been learning the importance of them and how to use them.

Holly Bishop is a pupil and said: "It could save someone's life and pack the bleed until an ambulance gets there.

"So, we all need them and I'm going to ask my mum if I can try and raise money to get one at Erdington Fire Station."

More bleed kits are in the pipeline to be installed at more schools around Birmingham.