Council Leader backs life-saving bleed kit initiative launch in Midlothian
Council Leader Councillor Kelly Parry has commended a life-saving initiative launched by a mother who lost her son, and praised community hub Food Facts Friends in Penicuik for becoming the first premises in the county to stock a BleedSave First Aid Bleed Control Kit.
Unprovoked attack
The campaign is led by Lisa Petrie from Edinburgh, whose 22-year-old son John McNab died following an unprovoked stabbing by a stranger in Leith on 2 September last year. Lisa is now distributing emergency bleed control kits and training people across communities to use them.
Mother's mission
“I don’t want John dying in vain, which is why I’m channelling my grief into this,” she said. “If we can save even one life, it will mean everything.”
To treat severe bleeding
The kits are designed to treat severe bleeding in a range of emergencies, including accidents and injuries as well as violent incidents. Each includes vital equipment such as a tourniquet, clotting bandage, gloves, gauze, wound dressings, scissors and foil blankets.
A first for Midlothian
Food Facts Friends Project Manager MarK Wells said they are proud to support the campaign, help raise awareness and contribute to community safety.
Born out of tragedy
Council Leader Councillor Kelly Parry said: “This is an incredibly powerful initiative born out of personal tragedy, and I want to commend Lisa for channelling her grief into something that could save lives. It’s inspiring to see Food Facts Friends leading the way, locally and I would encourage other organisations and groups to consider how they can support this vital work.”
98 locations in Scotland
Lisa has already placed kits in nearly 100 public locations and aims to expand the initiative further across Scotland. Organisations and community groups interested in installing a kit can call 0131 467 3578.
Where to find the kits
To find your nearest bleed control kit, visit the UK Bleed Control Kit Map online
Pictured
Lisa is pictured with Council Leader Councillor Kelly Parry in the middle and Police Scotland Community Police Officer Ben Stobbart