Newark and Sherwood District Council has purchased three bleed kits that will be installed in a number of locations across Newark through the Situational Crime Fund from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
One has been installed just outside the Odeon and another has been installed in Newark Town Centre in a phone box. Odeon and Newark Town Council has supported the installation of these. A third location is still to be decided but an area should be identified soon.
These bleed kits are used as a trauma first aid pack designed to stem severe, life-threatening bleeding before paramedics arrive.
Cookies Crusaders, a community-led initiative founded following the 2025 murder of James "Cookie" Cook, has also purchased another box, which is going to be installed at Castle Gate in Newark. More boxes are planned for schools and pubs.
The kits are available 24/7 and are in locked boxes with an access code, when a person calls 999 for support, they will be provided with a code just as they do for the Automated External Defibrillators (AED) to be opened and used. Depending on the circumstance’s, guidance will be provided by the ambulance control room.
The bleed kits have been installed to complement the existing AED provision across the town to enhance the public first aid facilities available.
Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is another step the District Council is undertaking to help make our residents feel safer. We hope that there is never the circumstances for these kits to be used, but if they are able to save even one life, then they are very much worth it.
“The installation of these kits follows on from a wide range of other public safety initiatives we’ve brought in during the past year. The Knife Angel visit in April and May was overwhelmingly positive and well received by our community. Along with the sculpture providing a visual and impactful message about the dangers of knife crime and violence, we also engaged with a wide range of schools and local community groups.
“Earlier this year we also launched our CCTV control room which has already seen a number of successes in bringing criminals to justice.
“By working in partnership, engaging with young people and schools, investing in our new CCTV control room and introducing life-saving bleed kits in Newark, we are putting residents’ safety and wellbeing first and helping them feel safer.”
Adele Cook of Cookies Crusaders said: “My husband was murdered a year ago and we decided to campaign to get bleed kits in and around Newark and then gradually go into the outskirts to possibly save a life in James’s memory. Bleed kits are life changing. I’m not saying it’s going to work for everybody because sometimes it’s too bad but if it could save a life, you’ve got the tools in there to hopefully stop a bleed until the paramedics get there and take over.”
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said: “Bleed kits can make a critical difference in those first few moments following a serious injury, potentially saving lives before emergency services arrive.
“I’m pleased that through the Situational Crime Prevention Fund we have been able to support Newark and Sherwood District Council in installing these additional kits across Newark, further strengthening the town’s emergency first aid provision alongside existing defibrillators.
“This is a fantastic example of partners working together to improve public safety.”
