Council launches life-saving trauma kits in fight against knife crime
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Wakefield Council is launching life-saving trauma kits at venues across Wakefield city centre which can help save a stab victims life.
Nineteen businesses in Wakefield city centre are set to benefit from the kits, to equip them with the tools to help in the event of serious incidents involving knives.
“Even though we are the safest district in West Yorkshire, we're making sure our city is ready to respond. One life lost through knife crime is one life too many.
“These kits can help save someone’s life while waiting for the emergency services to arrive.
“It is important that we raise awareness of knife crime and the ripple effect it can have within communities. It affects more people than those directly involved. We want to educate people to make positive choices.”
Cllr Daniel Wilton
Cabinet Member for Communities
West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE is also the Chair of the county’s Serious Violence Executive Board and said:
“Ensuring local businesses across the night-time economy are equipped to support communities is a crucial part of our partnership response to knife crime.
“Although this work to tackle serious violence is primarily prevention lead, we must equally be prepared for any eventuality.
“This is why Knife Crime Awareness week is so important in helping to change attitudes and behaviours, educating our young people around the tragic consequences.”
The kits will contain a tourniquet, scissors, emergency bandages, 6-inch Israeli bandage, emergency blanket and haemostatic gauze pads.
Security and door staff have been given training to ensure that they are prepared to deal with incidents should they occur.
The trauma kits are being given to venues in Wakefield city centre and Pontefract initially. With a view to even more businesses benefiting in the coming months.
The Council is rolling out new trauma kits to venues thanks to £7,000 of funding from the Community Safety Partnership.
This issuing of the kits will coincide with Knife Crime Awareness Week 2025 (19 to 25 May). The week is dedicated to raising awareness about the risks and consequences of knife crime, emphasising the importance of personal safety and making positive choices.
Find out more at https://www.knifecrimeawarenessweek.org.uk/