representatives from the council and its partners stand at the entrance to Wyke College, holding examples of the bleed kit boxes and contents
project partners at Wyke College with examples of the bleed kits and their contents

Bleed kits being fitted across Hull

A series of 100 ‘bleed kits’ are being installed around Hull, to help provide first aid in case of an accident, workplace injury, or other incident. The first kits are being installed in locations including parks, schools, businesses and streets. Like defibrillators, the kits can be easily accessed by members of the public in an emergency situation, and include clear instructions. They contain items which are simple to use, but can be the difference between life and death, including tourniquets, bandages and haemostatic dressings.

The bleed kits have been funded by Cllr Mike Ross’ Leader’s Fund, which is for projects supported by the Leader of Hull City Council. The project is also backed by local charity Corey’s Legacy.

Corey’s Legacy was set up by family members of young Hull Man Corey Dobbe, who tragically died in 2021 after being stabbed. The charity successfully led a campaign to raise funds for an initial installation of bleed kits, in pubs and other locations, in 2022.

One of the first of this series of kits has been fitted at the entrance to Wyke College and Kelvin Hall School. A second kit will be inside the campus.

Cllr Mike Ross said: “This is a really important initiative, which could help save lives. Defibrillators are a common sight, and soon these kits will be too.

“We’ve chosen a design for the casing that’s easy to access, with no code to be entered, so that no time is wasted in an emergency. All the materials inside can be used without training, and can quickly make a huge difference to someone who’s injured and bleeding.

“We’re so grateful to Corey’s Legacy for developing the idea of the bleed kits, and working with the council and other organisations to make them a reality”.

Homes are still being agreed for all 100 kits, and expressions of interest have been received from schools, sports Clubs, public buildings and other locations.

Charley Shepherdson, Corey Dobbe’s cousin and one of the founders of Corey’s Legacy, said: “Corey’s Legacy are beyond grateful for all the support we have received. We started Corey’s Legacy aiming to have a bleed kit on either side of the city, then one in each postcode.

“Seeing everyone come together and making this a reality and advocating the benefits has proven worth it. Together we want to make the streets safer and in the event of a serious incident, to also provide a second chance; a chance to save a life; a chance to save another family suffering the heartache and grief of losing someone they love. 

“These life-saving kits also educate on advanced first aid and give bystanders the confidence to intervene until emergency services arrive. These kits help stop a catastrophic bleed which could be caused by a road traffic accident, industrial accident, a heavy fall, a dog bite, or stab wounds. Every life is valuable, every second counts, we will continue to share Corey’s story and his legacy will live on”.

A crowd watch as a person is launched into the air from a seesaw on the ground