Denton-based florist Carol's Creations unveiled a state of the art life-saving emergency bleed cabinet outside its shop this week - the very first in Tameside.
Emergency bleed cabinets, also known as Bleed Boxes, contain crucial instructions and equipment designed to reduce major blood loss to the body in the event of an accident or attack.
As with defibrillators, they can be accessed by a code provided by a 999 call operator.
A campaign to introduce bleed cabinets across Greater Manchester was launched by mum Kelly Brown following the death of her son Rhamero ‘Mero’ West, who died at the age of just 16.
He was attacked by a group of teenagers in Old Trafford in September last year, suffering fatal stab wounds.
Kelly said: “My son bled to death from his legs. Had there been a bleed kit there to pack the wounds until the ambulance service got there, then he might still be here today.”
A foundation has been established in his memory called Mero’s World in an effort to try to end knife crime.
Kirsty Smith, who owns Carol’s Creations, is a friend of Kelly’s and supporting the campaign to introduce bleed cabinets across the Tameside region.
She said: “Primarily the box is intended to help victims of knife crime, but it is also for any bleed, for instance if someone falls and cuts their head, then this can be used.”
Positioned on the outside of the shop, the cabinet is clearly visible to drivers and pedestrians alike.
“This is a busy road and there have been a number of accidents and even fatalities,” added Kirsty.
She has been organising fundraising too and hopes to be able to introduce a bleed cabinet in Droylsden.
“It’s all about spreading awareness and we want to get these bleed kits everywhere as hopefully this can save a life,” she said.
You can find out more information about the cause and give donations through the website www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mero.
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