University News Last updated 04 April
A Paramedic Science expert from Birmingham City University says bleed kits are becoming more common across the country, particularly around nightlife areas, but believes access and training are still too limited.
Samuel Davies, who teaches paramedic skills and simulation, gave his thoughts following the conviction of Cody Fisher's killers.
Remy Gordon and Kami Carpenter were found guilty of murdering Cody in December 2022, when he was stabbed to death at Crane nightclub in Birmingham.
While Gordon and Carpenter await sentencing, Cody's mother, Tracy Fisher, has called for legislation to force nightclubs and similar venues to stock bleed kits and metal detectors.
She believes these kits can save countless lives in the future.
Bleed kits are already being used by some businesses where there is a risk of knife crime.
These kits contain medical equipment such as Combat Action Tourniquets, Russell Chest Seals, haemostatic gauze, pressure bandages,nitrile gloves and scissors.
Davies said: “These kits save lives by enabling bystanders to stop potentially life-threatening bleeding, which, if left uncontrolled, could kill the patient in minutes.
“In an ideal world, you would be able to access this equipment rapidly."
Davies believes that the call to stock bleed kits should not be limited to night-time venues either.
“Not all knife crime happens in nightclubs," he said. "Public areas where knife crime is a risk could also benefit from having these available."
But while these kits have the potential "to significantly improve survival rates", according to Davies, he also says simple first aid skills are also vital if they are to be used effectively.