Life-saving trauma kits installed across Croydon town centre

20 Publicly Accessible Trauma First Aid Kits (PAcT Kits) have been introduced across Croydon town centre.

A new initiative led by Croydon-based charity JFJ Foundation, in partnership with Croydon Town Centre Metropolitan Police Service, Croydon Business Improvement District (BID), and Croydon Council, has introduced 20 Publicly Accessible Trauma First Aid Kits (PAcT Kits) across Croydon town centre to provide fast, accessible trauma care in critical moments.

With the Metropolitan Police recording 15,684 knife crime incidents across London in 2024, the introduction of the PAcT Kits comes at a crucial time, providing a vital resource to assist with severe injuries or bleeding while waiting for emergency services to arrive.

The kits are strategically located in 10 public-access cabinets and 10 local businesses, based on data analysis from the Croydon Town Centre Metropolitan Police Service, ensuring they are easily accessible to the public. Inside each kit are military-grade supplies, including tourniquets and wound dressings, with easy-to-follow instructions to guide users, regardless of medical training.

At the heart of this initiative is Tilisha Goupall, the founder of the JFJ Foundation, which was established in memory of her brother, Jermaine Goupall, who was tragically killed in a knife attack in 2017. Reflecting on the impact these kits could have, Tilisha said:

If Jermaine had access to one of these PAcT Kits at the time of the attack, it could have given him a greater chance of survival and allowed him to receive the urgent care he needed at the hospital. The JFJ Foundation is committed to ensuring that JFJ-donated PAcT Kits and cabinets are distributed throughout Croydon, providing vital support in life-threatening situations—because every second counts.

Tilisha Goupall, Founder of the JFJ Foundation

Alongside the installation of the kits, the JFJ Foundation is providing free trauma-response training to local businesses, empowering staff with the skills and confidence needed to respond effectively in emergencies.

The rollout of the PAcT Kits was made possible thanks to the support of the Croydon Town Centre Metropolitan Police Service, who secured vital funding from the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC).

Ensuring the safety of our community is at the heart of everything we do. By using data analysis to identify key locations and securing funding through MOPAC, we’ve been able to support the rollout of these life-saving trauma kits where they are needed most. The Metropolitan Police is proud to provide these kits as part of our ongoing commitment to reducing serious violence. We encourage businesses and the public to take advantage of the free training available, as knowing how to act in a crisis could save a life.

Miriam Chapman-Rosenfeld, Croydon Town Centre Inspector at the Metropolitan Police

To keep the kits fully stocked and ready for use, Croydon BID’s Street Ranger team will conduct quarterly inspections. Any used or expired items will be replaced at no cost to the businesses hosting the kits, with Croydon BID covering all replenishment expenses.

No one ever wants to imagine being involved or in a life-threatening situation, but on-street support, practical tools, and preparation, saves lives. By working with our partners to introduce PAcT Kits in Croydon, we are ensuring that immediate first aid is always within reach. Safety in our town centre is a priority, and this collective initiative is a crucial step in protecting our community.

Matthew Sims, Chief Executive of Croydon BID

Making our town centre safer is a priority and we are working with our partners to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour through our Town Centre Taskforce. We’re taking action to prevent crime occurring in the first place, but we also want to make sure that people can access lifesaving first aid should an emergency arise.

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon

PAcT Kits are designed for easy use by anyone, regardless of medical training, offering life-saving assistance and treatment for casualties until emergency services arrive. In the event of an emergency, public-access cabinets can be accessed by calling 999.

For a full list of PAcT Kit locations, visit https://bit.ly/3Gck6F8

To learn more about JFJ Foundation, visit https://www.jfjfoundation.org/