Priti Patel, Member of Parliament for Witham, has welcomed the ongoing community-led work to expand the availability of life-saving bleed prevention kits across Essex. Priti Patel met with local campaigners at Witham Fire Station to recognise their tremendous efforts in raising awareness for their message.
Fourteen fire stations across the county have now been equipped with public access bleed kits, which provide essential emergency tools to help control severe bleeding and save lives. The initiative has been driven by campaigners including Julie Taylor, who founded The Liam Taylor Legacy after the tragic murder of her grandson Liam in Writtle in 2020. Julie has worked tirelessly with partners to raise awareness of knife crime and ensure these kits are placed in accessible community locations.
Community fundraising has also played an important role, with local residents contributing to the installation of kits at fire stations such as Chelmsford and Southend. The kits contain trauma dressings, bandages, chest seals, and other vital items that help prevent catastrophic blood loss while awaiting paramedics. Members of the public can access them in emergencies by calling 999, where Control Room Operators will provide instructions.
Priti said:
“The dedication shown by Julie Taylor, local volunteers, and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is truly inspiring. Their work to expand access to bleed kits and raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime is saving lives and strengthening community safety. I am proud to support this vital initiative and to stand with those who are working so hard to protect families across Essex.”
