Ipswich bleed kits planned after police and fire open day

The event at Princes Street fire and police station on Sunday raised money for the Firefighters Charity, which supports firefighters and their families in times of need, and the Be Lucky Anti-Crime Foundation.

One of the co-founders of the Be Lucky Anti-Crime Foundation, Jamie Hart said the day was a “massive success”.

The Foundation was set up in memory of co-founder Paul Stansby’s brother, Dean, who was fatally stabbed near Ipswich railway station in 2017.

There was a large turnout for the open day (Image: Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service)

“It was absolutely fantastic, and the day was organized to perfection,” he said.

“The turnout was absolutely phenomenal. There were loads of people that were coming through the doors, and the children were having a great time, having their faces painted. It was a massive success.”

The day featured activities including a search and rescue challenge, using firehoses, photographs in police and fire vehicles, face painting and a raffle.

Mr Hart explained one bleed control kit had already been purchased following the event and a second will soon follow and more donations continue to be made.

The open day at the Princes Street station raised £1,600 (Image: Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service) Each kit costs around £550 and are similar to first aid kits but include trauma dressings, gauze, chest seals and tourniquets to help stop serious bleeding.

So far, the charity has fitted 59 kits, and they hope to teach more people how to use the medical equipment.