When most people think about first aid, they picture someone performing CPR, placing a casualty into the recovery position, or applying a simple bandage to a cut. This is why understanding Martyn’s Law and Catastrophic Bleeding is important.
While these skills remain fundamental, the reality is that emergency first aid has evolved significantly over the last decade. Modern first aid training is no longer just about responding to minor injuries or waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Today’s first aiders must be prepared to deal with life-threatening situations where every second matters.
One of the biggest changes in recent years has come from a greater understanding of catastrophic bleeding and the importance of stopping severe blood loss quickly. Events such as the Manchester Arena attack highlighted just how critical those first few minutes are before emergency services can safely reach casualties. Since then, emergency planning across the UK has changed dramatically, leading to the introduction of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, more commonly known as Martyn’s Law.
Although Martyn’s Law is primarily focused on improving public safety and emergency preparedness, it has also sparked an important conversation within the first aid community. Organisations are increasingly recognising that knowing how to control catastrophic bleeding can make the difference between life and death.
At HMB Training Services, we believe first aid training should prepare people for the emergencies they are most likely to face today, not simply meet the minimum qualification requirements. That’s why our FAIB-accredited First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid courses include catastrophic bleeding management as part of the syllabus, ensuring learners have the confidence and practical skills to respond when it matters most.
In this article, we’ll explore what Martyn’s Law means, why catastrophic bleeding has become such an important part of modern first aid, and why businesses, schools and organisations should review their emergency preparedness.
What Is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law was introduced following years of campaigning by Figen Murray OBE, whose son Martyn Hett was one of the 22 people tragically killed during the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in May 2017.
Following the public inquiry, it became clear that many venues across the UK had inconsistent levels of emergency planning and preparedness. While security measures existed in many locations, there was no consistent legal requirement for organisations responsible for publicly accessible premises to consider how they would respond should the worst happen.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 aims to improve public safety by ensuring organisations have proportionate plans in place to prepare for and respond to terrorist incidents.
Depending on the size and nature of the premises, organisations may be required to:
- Understand potential risks.
- Develop emergency procedures.
- Train staff appropriately.
- Prepare evacuation or lockdown procedures.
- Improve communication during an incident.
- Review emergency planning regularly.
Martyn’s Law is not intended to create fear. Instead, it is designed to help organisations become more resilient and better prepared for emergencies.
Preparedness saves lives.
Martyn’s Law Is About More Than Terrorism
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding Martyn’s Law is that it only applies to terrorist attacks.
While the legislation was undoubtedly inspired by the Manchester Arena tragedy, the lessons learned extend far beyond hostile attacks.
The reality is that catastrophic injuries can happen almost anywhere.
Every day across the UK people suffer life-threatening injuries following:
- Machinery accidents
- Construction incidents
- Farming accidents
- Serious road traffic collisions
- Falls from height
- Industrial accidents
- Sporting injuries
- Knife crime
- Glass injuries
- Workplace accidents
- Public violence
- Serious incidents within schools and colleges
In every one of these situations, severe blood loss can become the greatest immediate threat to life.
A person can survive significant injuries if bleeding is controlled quickly.
Without intervention, however, catastrophic bleeding can lead to shock, unconsciousness, cardiac arrest and death within minutes.
The principles taught for responding to major haemorrhage during a terrorist incident are exactly the same skills that can save a life in a warehouse, school workshop, factory, sports field or roadside.
That is why catastrophic bleeding management is no longer viewed as a specialist skill reserved for military personnel or emergency responders. Increasingly, it is becoming a life-saving skill that every workplace should consider.
Why Catastrophic Bleeding Is So Dangerous
Our bodies rely on blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to every organ.
When someone suffers a catastrophic injury involving a major artery or severe trauma, blood loss can occur at an alarming rate.
Unlike smaller cuts, where pressure can usually control the bleeding relatively easily, catastrophic bleeding often overwhelms the body’s ability to compensate.
As blood volume falls:
- Blood pressure drops rapidly.
- Oxygen delivery to the brain decreases.
- Vital organs begin to fail.
- The casualty may become confused.
- Consciousness can quickly deteriorate.
- Cardiac arrest may follow.
This entire process can happen within only a few minutes.
In many situations, emergency services simply cannot arrive quickly enough to prevent life-threatening blood loss.
Even where ambulance response times are excellent, responders may first need to wait for police to secure the scene before entering an area affected by violence or terrorism.
Those precious first few minutes belong to the people already on site.
A trained first aider.
A colleague.
A teacher.
A sports coach.
A member of the public.
Someone who knows what to do.
That is why immediate intervention is so important.
Applying direct pressure, using appropriate dressings, packing wounds where indicated, or correctly applying a tourniquet can significantly improve a casualty’s chance of survival before professional help arrives.
Why Modern First Aid Has Changed
For many years, first aid training focused primarily on dealing with the emergencies most people expected to encounter.
Learners practised:
- CPR
- Recovery position
- Choking
- Burns
- Fractures
- Minor bleeding
- Shock
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
These remain essential life-saving skills.
However, the risks facing society continue to evolve.
Greater awareness of catastrophic injuries, combined with lessons learned from terrorist attacks, military medicine, road traffic collisions and industrial accidents, has transformed the way emergency care is delivered.
Today, first aiders are increasingly expected to understand:
- How to recognise life-threatening bleeding.
- When severe bleeding takes priority over other injuries.
- How to apply effective direct pressure.
- When specialist bleed control equipment may be appropriate.
- How to keep themselves safe while treating casualties.
- How to communicate effectively with emergency services.
Modern first aid is about preparing people for real emergencies, not just the emergencies we hope never happen.
Why Every Employer Should Review Their First Aid Needs Assessment to Include Martyn’s Law and Catastrophic Bleeding
Many employers believe that once they have appointed a first aider and stocked a first aid box, their legal responsibilities are complete.
In reality, effective first aid provision begins much earlier, with a thorough First Aid Needs Assessment.
Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers must assess the risks within their workplace and determine what first aid equipment, facilities and personnel are required. No two workplaces are the same, and the level of provision should always reflect the risks employees may face.
For some organisations, this may simply mean having trained first aiders and a standard first aid kit. For others, particularly those working in manufacturing, engineering, construction, logistics, education or public-facing environments, the risks are significantly greater.
Questions employers should now be asking include:
- Could someone suffer a serious laceration from machinery?
- Are sharp tools used on site?
- Are there glass hazards?
- Do staff work with cutting equipment?
- Could someone be injured during manual handling activities?
- Does the workplace receive members of the public?
- Are there large numbers of people on site?
- Is there a risk of violence or aggression?
- Would emergency services be delayed reaching the casualty?
These questions have become even more relevant since the introduction of Martyn’s Law.
Although not every business falls within the legal scope of the Act, the principles behind it encourage organisations to think beyond compliance and ask a much more important question:
“Are we genuinely prepared if the worst happens?”
That question applies just as much to a warehouse accident as it does to a terrorist incident.
Emergency Services Cannot Always Be There Immediately
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding emergencies is that professional help will arrive almost instantly.
While our emergency services do an incredible job under immense pressure, there are many situations where immediate access to casualties simply isn’t possible.
Road traffic congestion.
Rural locations.
Remote workplaces.
Large industrial sites.
Public events.
Hostile incidents.
Collapsed structures.
Unsafe environments.
In some situations, ambulance crews cannot enter until police have declared an area safe.
During those precious minutes, the casualty has only one chance.
The people already there.
This is why the phrase “You are the first responder” has become increasingly important.
The actions taken in the first few minutes often determine whether someone survives.
Controlling catastrophic bleeding before an ambulance arrives is one of the most powerful interventions a trained first aider can make.
Catastrophic Bleeding Is Not Just a Terrorism Issue
Unfortunately, when people hear the words “catastrophic bleeding,” they often associate them solely with terrorist attacks.
In reality, severe bleeding occurs every day across the UK.
Examples include:
Manufacturing
A worker’s arm becomes trapped in machinery, causing severe injuries.
Construction
A tradesperson suffers deep injuries from power tools or falling materials.
Agriculture
Farm machinery causes devastating limb injuries every year.
Warehousing
Forklift incidents and crushing injuries can result in significant trauma.
Schools
A pupil suffers severe injuries during practical lessons involving tools or machinery.
Sports
Contact sports, athletics and outdoor activities occasionally result in traumatic injuries.
Public Venues
Broken glass, crowd incidents and accidental injuries can all lead to severe bleeding.
Road Traffic Collisions
One of the most common causes of catastrophic bleeding remains serious vehicle collisions.
These are not rare scenarios.
They are real emergencies that trained first aiders may encounter during their careers.
Why HMB Training Includes Catastrophic Bleeding Management
At HMB Training Services, we firmly believe first aid training should evolve as new risks emerge.
Our role isn’t simply to help learners pass an assessment.
Our role is to give people the confidence to save a life.
As an FAIB Approved Training Centre, we are proud that catastrophic bleeding management now forms part of the relevant FAIB qualifications delivered within our First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid courses.
This ensures learners leave with knowledge that reflects today’s emergency landscape rather than relying solely on traditional first aid techniques.
During our courses, learners develop an understanding of:
- recognising life-threatening bleeding
- prioritising catastrophic bleeding during casualty assessment
- applying effective direct pressure
- understanding when specialist bleed-control equipment may be required
- managing casualties while waiting for emergency services
- communicating effectively with the ambulance service
- protecting themselves while providing first aid
Our practical training gives learners the opportunity to build confidence through realistic scenarios, ensuring they understand not only what to do but why each intervention matters. Martyn’s Law and Catastrophic Bleeding are vital to understand.
Confidence Saves Lives
One of the greatest barriers during any emergency isn’t lack of equipment.
It’s lack of confidence.
Research consistently shows that many people hesitate because they fear making the situation worse.
They worry about:
“What if I do something wrong?”
“What if I hurt them?”
“What if I make the bleeding worse?”
“What if I panic?”
These fears are completely natural.
However, well-delivered first aid training replaces fear with confidence.
Through practical learning, repetition and discussion, learners begin to understand that doing something is often far better than doing nothing.
The first aider who confidently applies direct pressure immediately could prevent catastrophic blood loss.
The colleague who recognises the severity of the injury early could save valuable minutes.
The teacher who knows how to remain calm may help protect dozens of children during an emergency.
Confidence isn’t something people are born with.
It is built through training.
Why Schools Should Be Thinking About Catastrophic Bleeding
Schools are among the safest places for children.
Thankfully, serious traumatic injuries remain extremely rare.
However, education settings face unique challenges.
Large numbers of pupils.
Busy corridors.
Science laboratories.
Design and Technology workshops.
Sports facilities.
School trips.
Visitors and contractors.
Community use of buildings.
Although schools already invest heavily in safeguarding, fire safety and medical training, emergency preparedness continues to evolve.
Martyn’s Law has encouraged many education leaders to review how prepared they would be if faced with an exceptional emergency.
That doesn’t mean living in fear.
It means planning responsibly.
Teachers and school staff are often the immediate responders when an incident occurs.
Before emergency services arrive, they may need to:
- protect pupils
- manage panic
- contact emergency services
- administer first aid
- reassure casualties
- control severe bleeding
These are enormous responsibilities.
Providing staff with modern first aid training helps ensure they feel more confident should the unthinkable ever happen.
Paediatric First Aid Has Evolved Too
Many people assume catastrophic bleeding only affects adults.
Unfortunately, children can also suffer life-threatening injuries.
Although uncommon, severe bleeding can result from:
- road traffic collisions
- serious playground incidents
- sporting injuries
- machinery
- broken glass
- animal attacks
- accidents involving tools
- violent incidents
As an FAIB Approved Centre, HMB incorporates catastrophic bleeding management into its Paediatric First Aid training in line with the current FAIB syllabus.
This gives early years practitioners, teachers and childcare professionals greater confidence when responding to serious emergencies involving children.
Thankfully, most paediatric first aid incidents involve much less serious conditions.
However, should an exceptional incident occur, having staff who understand catastrophic bleeding management could make all the difference.
Should Every Workplace Have a Bleed Control Kit?
This is a question we are increasingly asked during training courses.
The answer depends on your workplace risk assessment.
For many low-risk office environments, a standard first aid kit may be entirely appropriate.
However, organisations with higher risks may wish to consider additional bleed control equipment.
This could include:
- tourniquets
- trauma dressings
- haemostatic dressings (where appropriate)
- chest seals
- trauma shears
- gloves
- emergency blankets
Having equipment alone is not enough.
Staff must know how and when to use it safely.
Equipment without training can create hesitation.
Training without suitable equipment can reduce effectiveness.
The two should always go hand in hand.
Martyn’s Law Is Changing the Conversation Around Emergency Preparedness
For many years, organisations viewed health and safety, security and first aid as three separate responsibilities.
Health and safety focused on preventing accidents.
Security focused on protecting buildings and people.
First aid focused on responding once an injury had occurred.
Martyn’s Law is helping to bring these three areas together.
Instead of asking, “Do we have a first aider?”, organisations are beginning to ask broader questions:
- Are our staff prepared for exceptional emergencies?
- Have we considered the risks specific to our workplace?
- Would our team know what to do if someone suffered life-threatening injuries?
- Are our emergency procedures up to date?
- Do staff understand lockdown, evacuation and communication procedures?
- Is our first aid provision appropriate for the risks we face?
This represents a significant shift in thinking.
Emergency preparedness is no longer just about complying with legislation; it is about creating organisations that are resilient, well-trained and capable of responding effectively under pressure.
Whether the emergency is a machinery accident, a serious road traffic collision outside your premises, an act of violence or an extremely rare terrorist incident, the underlying principle remains the same:
Prepared people save lives.
Building a Culture of Preparedness, Not Fear
Whenever legislation such as Martyn’s Law is introduced, there is a risk that organisations focus solely on compliance.
Policies are updated.
Risk assessments are filed.
Training records are completed.
While these administrative tasks are important, they should never become the end goal.
The true purpose of Martyn’s Law is to encourage a culture of preparedness.
Preparedness is not about frightening employees or expecting the worst every day.
Instead, it is about creating confidence through planning, communication and training.
Employees who know what to do during an emergency are more likely to remain calm.
Managers who have rehearsed emergency procedures can make quicker, clearer decisions.
First aiders who have practised managing catastrophic bleeding are more likely to act decisively when faced with a real casualty.
Confidence reduces panic.
Training improves decision-making.
Preparation saves lives.
This philosophy sits at the heart of everything we teach at HMB Training Services.
Our aim is never simply to deliver a qualification. We want every learner to leave our courses with practical skills, confidence and the reassurance that they can make a positive difference in an emergency.
Practical Steps Every Organisation Can Take Today – Martyn’s Law and Catastrophic Bleeding
You do not need to wait for legislation or an incident to review your emergency preparedness.
Every organisation can take positive steps to improve its readiness.
1. Review Your First Aid Needs Assessment
Has it been updated recently?
Does it reflect your current workforce, premises and activities?
Have you considered the risk of life-threatening bleeding?
2. Ensure Staff Receive High-Quality First Aid Training
First aid certificates should never become a “tick-box exercise.”
Choose training providers that deliver realistic, engaging and practical learning experiences.
Staff should leave feeling confident, not just qualified.
3. Review Emergency Procedures
Ensure staff understand:
- how to raise the alarm
- evacuation procedures
- lockdown procedures where appropriate
- emergency contact arrangements
- roles and responsibilities during an incident
4. Check Your Equipment
Do you have:
- accessible first aid kits?
- an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), where appropriate?
- suitable personal protective equipment?
- additional trauma equipment if your risk assessment identifies a need?
Equipment should be checked regularly and be easy to locate during an emergency.
5. Refresh Training Regularly
Skills fade over time.
Regular refresher training helps maintain confidence, reinforces good practice and keeps staff up to date with changes in guidance and best practice.
Why Choose HMB Training Services? Knowing Martyn’s Law and Catastrophic Bleeding
At HMB Training Services, we understand that first aid is about much more than passing an assessment.
It is about preparing ordinary people to respond confidently during extraordinary circumstances.
As an FAIB Approved Training Centre, we are committed to delivering training that reflects today’s challenges.
Our First Aid at Work, Emergency First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid courses combine the essential life-saving skills required by the qualification with practical, realistic scenarios that help learners develop confidence in dealing with modern emergencies.
Where required by the FAIB syllabus, our courses include catastrophic bleeding management, ensuring learners gain an understanding of how to recognise and respond to life-threatening blood loss.
We deliver training for:
- Businesses
- Schools
- Academies
- Colleges
- Nurseries
- Childcare providers
- Charities
- Community organisations
- Manufacturing companies
- Construction businesses
- Warehouses
- Hospitality venues
- Offices
- Healthcare settings
Whether you are refreshing existing first aiders or training an entire workforce for the first time, our courses are designed to be practical, engaging and relevant to the environments in which your staff work every day.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of Martyn’s Law has encouraged organisations across the UK to think differently about emergency preparedness. Knowing Martyn’s Law and Catastrophic Bleeding Training on site.
Although the legislation focuses on protecting publicly accessible premises from terrorism, its wider message is relevant to every employer:
Preparation matters.
Emergencies rarely come with a warning.
They do not wait until the right people are present.
They do not happen only during office hours.
When a life-threatening incident occurs, the people already on site become the first responders.
In many situations, they are the difference between life and death.
That is why modern first aid training continues to evolve.
Knowing how to recognise catastrophic bleeding, control severe blood loss and support a casualty until professional help arrives is no longer a specialist skill reserved for emergency services. It is becoming an essential part of preparing workplaces, schools and organisations for the realities of today’s world.
At HMB Training Services, we are proud to deliver first aid training that goes beyond the basics.
Our aim is not simply to help learners achieve a qualification. Our aim is to equip people with the confidence, knowledge and practical skills to act when every second counts.
Because when an emergency happens, the question is no longer:
“Do we have a first aider?”
It is:
“Are our people truly prepared to save a life?”
Frequently Asked Questions – Martyn’s Law and Catastrophic Bleeding
What is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is UK legislation designed to improve preparedness and protective security at publicly accessible premises. It requires certain organisations to consider the risk of terrorist attacks and implement proportionate procedures and staff training.
Does Martyn’s Law require first aid training?
Martyn’s Law focuses on emergency preparedness rather than first aid qualifications. However, it has increased awareness of the importance of ensuring staff are prepared to respond to serious incidents, including those involving life-threatening injuries.
What is catastrophic bleeding?
Catastrophic bleeding is severe blood loss that can quickly become life-threatening. Without prompt intervention, a casualty may lose a critical amount of blood within minutes, making immediate action essential.
Why is catastrophic bleeding training important?
Early recognition and effective control of severe bleeding can significantly improve a casualty’s chance of survival before emergency services arrive. Practical training gives first aiders the confidence to respond quickly and effectively.
Does HMB Training teach catastrophic bleeding management?
Yes. As an FAIB Approved Training Centre, HMB Training Services includes catastrophic bleeding management within its relevant FAIB-accredited First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid courses in line with the current FAIB syllabus.
Should every workplace have a bleed control kit?
Not necessarily. The need for additional trauma or bleed control equipment should be based on your workplace’s First Aid Needs Assessment. Higher-risk environments may benefit from additional equipment alongside trained first aiders.
Ready to Prepare Your Team? Martyn’s Law and Catastrophic Bleeding
Emergencies are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be.
Whether you are reviewing your first aid provision because of Martyn’s Law, updating your workplace risk assessment or simply want to ensure your staff are equipped with the latest life-saving skills, HMB Training Services can help.
We deliver engaging, practical and FAIB-approved training for businesses, schools, nurseries and organisations across the Midlands and beyond. Martyn’s Law and Catastrophic Bleeding Training.
Contact HMB Training Services today to discuss your training requirements and discover how modern first aid training can help your team respond with confidence when it matters most.
01543 453338 / 07506 906641
info@hmbtrainingservices.co.uk
