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Martyn’s Law & First Aid Training — A Tactical Perspective on Public Preparedness
From the
Front Line: Why Civilian Readiness Saves Lives
As a former
police firearms officer, firearms instructor, and police firearms medic
instructor, I’ve seen first-hand how critical those first moments of an
incident can be. Whether responding to a terrorist attack, an active shooter
scenario, or a mass casualty incident, one truth remains constant: preparedness
saves lives.
While police,
paramedics, and fire crews are highly trained to manage emergencies, there is
often a vital gap between the onset of an incident and the arrival of
professional help. In that window, the actions taken by civilians can mean the
difference between life and death.
This is where
Martyn’s Law becomes especially relevant.
Understanding
Martyn’s Law — A Step Towards Safer Spaces
Martyn’s
Law—named in honour of Martyn Hett, who tragically lost his life in the
Manchester Arena bombing in 2017—is a legislative effort to strengthen security
and emergency preparedness in public venues. The law aims to ensure that venues
where large numbers of people gather have adequate measures in place to respond
effectively to threats, including acts of terrorism.
While the
final framework of the legislation is still being shaped, its intent is crystal
clear: enhance public safety by implementing robust emergency protocols.
But laws
alone are not enough. True resilience comes from empowering the public with
life-saving knowledge and skills.
The Role
of Armed Police During a Critical Incident
One of the
most common questions I encountered in my career relates to public perception
during a live incident—why don’t armed police stop to help the wounded?
The answer
lies in the strategy and discipline of tactical response:
- Neutralising the Threat: The
primary objective is to stop the threat. Until the attacker is subdued or
contained, pausing to treat casualties can result in more lives being
lost.
- Creating a Safe Environment:
Armed officers secure the area so that paramedics, unarmed officers, and
support teams can enter safely and begin treating the injured.
- Post-Threat Response: Once the
area is clear, armed officers often assist with casualty triage and
coordination with emergency services.
This tactical
approach mirrors the “Primary Survey” principle in first aid—scene safety must
come first. Understanding this helps the public adjust their expectations and
focus on what they can do in those crucial early minutes.
How
Civilians Can Make a Difference in a Major Emergency
With the
right training, ordinary people can provide immediate, effective assistance
while waiting for emergency services to arrive. Here's how:
Ensure Personal Safety
Before
providing aid, assess the situation. If danger is still present, move to
safety. Your safety is the priority—you're no help to anyone if you become a
casualty yourself.
Call 999 Immediately
When safe,
contact emergency services and provide:
- Exact location (street names,
landmarks, building identifiers)
- Nature of the incident (e.g.,
explosion, stabbing, shooting)
- Estimated number of casualties
and visible injuries
- Any directions given by the
control room—follow them to the letter
Deliver First Aid with Purpose
Severe
Bleeding
- Apply direct pressure to the
wound with a clean cloth or dressing.
- If trained, pack the wound and
apply a tourniquet if the injury is to a limb and bleeding is
life-threatening.
Chest
Wounds (Stabbings/Gunshots)
- Avoid sealing the wound entirely
to prevent air trapping.
- Use a chest seal if available.
- Keep the casualty calm and
still—monitor breathing continuously.
Unconscious
but Breathing
- Place them in the recovery
position to protect the airway.
Unconscious
and Not Breathing
- Begin CPR immediately: 30
compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
Chemical
(Acid) Attacks
- Prioritise your own
protection—avoid contact with the substance.
- Call 999 and report the chemical
nature of the incident.
- Rinse affected areas with clean
water for at least 15 minutes.
- For eye exposure, flush
thoroughly while preventing spread.
Martyn’s
Law and First Aid Training—A Perfect Partnership
Martyn’s Law
is a vital move toward national preparedness, but legislation alone cannot save
lives. First aid training completes the circle—it gives civilians the
capability to take meaningful action before professional responders arrive.
Imagine a
society where every person in a crowded venue knows how to stop a bleed, manage
an airway, or stabilise a casualty. That’s the kind of resilience Martyn’s Law
envisions—and it starts with education.
Get
Trained. Be Ready. Make a Difference.
At Management
Solutions and Training Ltd, we deliver professional first aid training tailored
to real-world emergencies, including violent incidents and mass casualty
scenarios. Our courses are grounded in operational experience and informed by
current tactical procedures.
Even basic
training can give someone the confidence to act decisively under pressure.
Final
Word: Building a More Resilient Society
As someone
who’s served on the front lines, I can tell you this: the minutes before medics
arrive are some of the most important minutes in a casualty’s life.
Martyn’s Law
is a positive step toward protecting the public, but real preparedness lies in
the hands of ordinary people. By equipping ourselves with essential first aid
skills, we take an active role in community safety.
We can’t
predict when a crisis will strike—but we can choose to be ready for it.
💡 Take action today. Enrol in a first
aid course—it could mean saving a life tomorrow.
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