THE director of a wildlife sanctuary in Cornwall has spoken out about the need for more bleed control kits to be installed around the county, saying he wants them to be as common as defibrillators. 

Nick Reynolds, director of Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary in Hayle, has called for more bleed control kits to be installed across the Duchy, having already been involved in helping to install the first three in Cornwall, with the latest being installed at Hayle Youth Project last week. 

Now, Nick is hoping to spread awareness of these potentially life-saving kits and is hoping that more towns and villages will soon begin to see them installed. 

Nick explained: "When I started to help Hayle with getting more Public Access Defibrillators (PAD) in the Hayle area, particularly in residential areas where I feel the need is greater, I had no idea about 'Bleed Control Kits.'

"It is not all about people getting stabbed in a horrible situation there are many reasons to have such kits across the country.  I know this full well after a good friend of mine called me telling me he had an arterial bleed! 

Falmouth Packet: The defibrillator and bleed kit at Hayle Youth ProjectThe defibrillator and bleed kit at Hayle Youth Project (Image: Supplied)

"I was able to get the kit from the Bird in Hand and be with him in minutes. He had dropped a knife while cooking and it had hit the bottom of his leg puncturing an artery in his leg.  

"I was able to apply the Tourniquet in the kit to stop the bleeding and apply a tight bandage then call 999.  Shortly after, an ambulance team arrived and and took care of him.

"Funds need to be allocated to upgrade towns so that they have at least one Bleed Control kit to be used. 

"I thank Councillor Jeremy Martin for raising them with me, Councillor David Raymer for being such a fantastic supporter of what I have been doing in Hayle. Also Paul Williams of Ronnie Richards Memorial Charity who has been working tirelessly installing over 300 PADs and delivering training to thousands in the workplace and at schools."

You can find out more about bleed control kits by visiting The Daniel Bard Foundation, a charity which was set up after the fatal stabbing of Daniel Baird in 2017.