Former Midlands boxing champion Dexter Hastings has distributed dozens of bleed control kits to Westside’s nightlife venues after completing 60 rounds of fundraising sparring.
The ‘Stop the Bleed’ project by Dexter, who now writes for the Birmingham Boxing Column at www.bbcolumn.com, was inspired by the desire to combat the injuries caused by recent stabbings in the city.
Bleed control kits, also known as emergency trauma packs, are similar to first aid kits but include trauma dressings, special gauze, chest seals and tourniquets to help stop serious bleeding.
Since Dexter’s charity sparring with local fighters at Fightden Boxing Club and Cogan’s Corner Gym, he has now visited The Soloman Cutler, Walkabout, The Brasshouse, Tap & Spile, Figure of Eight, O’Neill’s, Velvet Music Rooms and other venues to hand out the kits.
Watch video on Dexter’s Stop the Bleed project here:
Dexter said: “I thought it would be a great idea to do it as the bleed kits help people keep alive until the paramedics come along and take them to hospital.
“We raised enough money to get 30 kits. I hope they’re never used, but if one of them is used to save someone’s life it’s all worth it.”
Pete Willis, the senior street warden for Westside BID, said: “The first few minutes before paramedics arrive could be the difference between life and death for these kids.
“The more kits we can have distributed throughout the hotels and venues for people to access, the better. They definitely save lives.”
Nicky Brennan, the West Midlands victims’ commissioner, said: “Knife crime absolutely devastates our city, and we lose so many young people to this crime.
“I think what Dexter’s doing with his campaign is vitally important, as the more bleed control kits we have the more lives we will save.
“Everybody in our city deserves to feel safe while they’re out and about enjoying themselves, however if the worst happens it’s good that the venues would be prepared to help save somebody’s life by having this vital equipment.”
