JB-15.17
Response
Accepted
Self-assessed
Police medic training on catastrophic haemorrhage
Recommendation
Police medic training should emphasise that, in cases of catastrophic external torso haemorrhage, the immediate action is to apply direct pressure and then progress directly to using haemostatic gauze. Chest seals should only be used where there is no evidence of ongoing catastrophic haemorrhage.
Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to Senior First Aid Advisor Sue Warner's September 2021 review, police medic training had no gaps in addressing catastrophic haemorrhage. According to reports, by October 2022, a specific scenario on upper chest/neck catastrophic bleeding was included in the training. According to the College of Policing's APP-AP update from August 2023, this recommendation was completed, but no further published evidence has been identified since then.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, web.archive.org, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
This recommendation asks for cultural or behavioural change, which is difficult to verify objectively. The assessment is based on policy commitments, not measured outcomes.
Jurisdiction
England
Section Reference
15.17
Response
Accepted
Response
Accepted
Accepted
Metropolitan Police Service
28 Oct 2022
MPS formally responded on 28 October 2022 (paras 32-34). Senior First Aid Advisor Sue Warner reviewed training September 2021; confirmed no gap. Specific scenario on upper chest/neck catastrophic bleed now included in training.
Progress Timeline
Official Report
01 Aug 2023
Status as of College of Policing APP-AP update (August 2023): Completed
Responsible Bodies
College of Policing
Primary
Themes & Tags
Recommendation age
3.7 yrs
Last formal update
966 days ago