A HIGH school has become the first in Warrington to be fitted with life-saving equipment for use in the event of a stabbing.

The bleeding control kits has been installed at Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School in Latchford as part of a ‘life-saving initiative’ in partnership with Cheshire Police and not for profit organisation Knivesavers.

Public buildings across the county are being given the kits, which can also be accessed by members of the community in the event of an emergency.

Head teacher Beverley Scott-Herron said: “It is crucial that we educate young people about knife crime, and that is why we work so closely with the police and other relevant agencies.

“This however is about us being able to save a life if needed within our local community, and by having the correct equipment and training to do so.”

PCSOs have worked with year 10 students in a bid to tackle knife crime, while staff have received training on how to use the new equipment.

Cheshire Police’s knife crime lead chief inspector Sarah Heath added: “We have a structured prepare, protect, pursue and prevent approach to tackling knife crime that involves various partner agencies and the community as a whole and it is working.

“We have one of the lowest rates of knife crime in England, and Cheshire is one of the few counties in England and Wales that has seen a reduction in the number of knife related offences committed in recent times.

“At Cheshire Police, we work alongside local authorities, education providers, health authorities, third sector organisations, youth representatives and community groups to educate young people of the dangers and futility of carrying weapons, steer them away from criminality and offer them attractive alternative ways to spend their time.

“A person can bleed to death in just five minutes if they are stabbed in the wrong place – it is essential to stem the loss of blood as soon as possible.

“Bleeding control kits enable members of the public to do this, with all types of wounds, before paramedics arrive – that can be the difference between life and death.

“As such, as part of our fight against knife crime we are funding the rolling out of the kits to community venues across Cheshire as well as training to give people the confidence to use them.”