In the wake of the recent heart-breaking incident involving 15-year-old Elianne Andam near a bus stop close to the Whitgift shopping center in Croydon, the urgency of enhancing public safety, especially on public transportation routes, has never been more apparent. Elianne’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of knife-related violence, an issue that has plagued London, with the city recording the highest number of knife offenses nationally in 2023.
At Caridon Foundation, we refuse to accept these statistics as inevitable. Instead, we are committed to taking proactive measures to mitigate risks and potentially save lives in the future. That’s why, in collaboration with Bleed Contoel Kits, we are reaching out to local bus companies regarding an important scheme we are looking to pilot in Croydon.
Our proposal is simple yet potentially life-saving: to place bleed control kits on the bus routes that Elianne traveled along. These kits, designed to provide immediate first aid to individuals suffering from catastrophic bleeding, can make a crucial difference in critical moments, such as the ones Elianne faced. By making these kits publicly accessible on buses, public transport stations, and in major shopping centers, pubs, and clubs, we aim to empower bystanders to administer crucial aid before professional medical help arrives.
To bring this initiative to fruition, we are collaborating with Bleed Control Kits, a company specializing in emergency medical supplies. Together, we believe that starting in Croydon, where this tragic incident occurred and where our head office is, would be a meaningful first step in improving public safety in the area.
But our efforts don’t stop there. We are also advocating for First Aid Training for bus drivers, incorporating catastrophic bleeding control as a mandatory element of their training. Equipping drivers with the necessary skills and knowledge can significantly enhance their ability to respond effectively in emergency situations, further bolstering the safety of public transportation.
We have invited several local bus companies to join us in this endeavour by participating in our pilot scheme and helping to make Croydon’s public transportation system safer for everyone.
We will update with more information on this scheme in due course.