Wolverhampton children get lifesaving lessons in how to stem bleeding thanks to MP's campaign

Pupils at a Wolverhampton school are being taught lifesaving first-aid techniques that could potentially save someone from bleeding to death.

Youngsters at Smestow Academy have received practical training on how to use a bleed-control kit as part of a campaign to ensure secondary schools have access to potentially life-saving equipment.

The initiative was praised by Wolverhampton West MP Warinder Juss, who visited the school to see a group of 12- and 13-year-olds receive practical training in how to use the kits.

Mr Juss MP watched the pupils receive a demonstration from the Daniel Baird Foundation training team.

Bleed-control kits provide vital first-aid equipment that can help bridge the gap between a serious injury occurring and the arrival of emergency services.

Mr Juss has been campaigning for secondary schools across his constituency to have access to the kits.

With the support of restaurant boss Ash Raju and anti-knife crime campaigner Sienna Ahir, he successfully raised funds for all secondary schools in the constituency that wanted a kit.

He is now calling for schools across the country to be given the kits.

Mr Juss said: “Every second counts when someone suffers a serious bleed, and having the right equipment and training available can make a real difference in an emergency.

“I am incredibly proud that, working with local partners, we have been able to provide bleed-control kits to secondary schools across Wolverhampton West that wanted one.

“It was fantastic to visit Smestow Academy and see pupils receiving practical training on how to use the kits. Giving young people the knowledge and confidence to respond in an emergency could one day help save a life.

Amy Heilbronn, assistant headmistress of Smestow Academy, said the training had been a ‘fantastic opportunity’ for the pupils, not only showing them what to do in a crisis, but also to improve their awareness of what was happening in the community and beyond.

The £109 kits were purchased through the Daniel Baird Foundation.

Mr Raju, owner of Endeavour Restaurants, said that as a business owner, it was important to play an active part in the local community.

“I feel it my duty to ensure we are working closely with MP Warinder Juss and local schools to help with initiatives that are important to all of us.”

Mr Juss said he now wanted MPs across the country to take similar action in their own constituencies, and planned to host an event in Parliament to promote the campaign.