'Bleed kits' to be installed across East Sussex town

The life-saving equipment comes after the stabbing of a 17 year old

Bleed kit installed on wall
Published 11th Apr 2024

Polegate Community Foundation raised money online to buy a special kit that stops heavy bleeding quickly.

They planned to get one kit, but with extra help, they got three kits worth more than £1,500 altogether.

The initiative started after a local stabbing at the play area on Wannock Raod. Two people were arrested for attempted murder. Emergency services found a 17-year-old with stab wounds. His injuries were serious but not life-threatening.

The foundation, started by Nathan Dunbar in 2019, wants to help local people and causes.

They're starting 'Project Stem' to teach about bad bleeds and how to help. Polegate already has lots of life-saving machines called AEDs.

Nathan told us: "We're installing the first cabinet outside the train station in the heart of the community here in Polegate. We will then install two more where real-time crime data shows us they are most in need in the local community.

"We're installing life saving equipment which can be used by a member of the public to help someone with a catastrophic bleed.

"Ultimately this is life-saving equipment and if we can do anything to help save lives, we will. Polegate already has a very good network of defibrillators dotted around the town.

The new kits will be put where lots of people are, based on where crime happens most.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.