Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, Member of Parliament for Solihull West & Shirley, joined Year 6 pupils and staff at Cheswick Green Primary School to help deliver vital ‘Stop the Bleed’ training, in partnership with Holly Baird from the Daniel Baird Foundation.
As part of the hands-on session, Dr Shastri-Hurst, drawing on his background as a former British Army Medical Officer and NHS surgeon, provided instruction to pupils on the use of bleed control kits and emergency first aid. The training is designed to equip young people with the skills to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a life-threatening bleed.
The session was led by Holly Baird of the Daniel Baird Foundation, established in memory of her brother Daniel, who tragically lost his life to knife crime in 2017. The Foundation campaigns nationally for greater awareness, education, and access to bleed control kits in public places.
Dr Shastri-Hurst said:
What we saw today is the power of practical education – giving young people the skills and confidence to step up when it really counts.
It was a privilege to play a part in delivering this training alongside Holly. These sessions are not just about first aid; they are about responsibility, leadership, and looking out for one another.
I believe every school should have access to this kind of training, and I will continue to champion it both locally and in Parliament.
Holly Baird added:
It’s fantastic to see MPs like Dr Shastri-Hurst not just supporting our work but getting directly involved in the training itself. That sends a powerful message to pupils – and to the wider community – about the importance of being prepared and taking action.
The event forms part of Dr Shastri-Hurst’s wider work to promote public safety, civic resilience, and community engagement across Solihull West & Shirley.