How you can help a Stabbing Victim

If someone has been stabbed, they need immediate medical attention as their life could be in danger. The experience can be traumatic for everyone involved, but responding correctly to a stabbing could mean the difference between life and death for the victim.

We have put together some tips on how to respond and care for the victim of a stabbing.

Make sure the Area is safe

Before administering any First Aid, it is vital to ensure that the area is safe and that you are not at risk of harm by giving First Aid to the casualty.

Talk to the casualty and check their responsiveness; if unresponsive but breathing, put them into the recovery position.

if there is a life-threatening bleed that you are unable to stop with pressure, this is a catastrophic bleed. This is a priority over resuscitation.

If there is no obvious bleed, but they are unconscious and not breathing –call for an ambulance and defibrillator, and begin Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) immediately.

Stop the Bleeding

One of your first priorities should be to stop the casualty’s bleeding; a catastrophic bleed can become fatal in a few minutes.Bleeding from an artery will result in bright red frothy blood that pulsates with the beating of the heart.

Bleeding from a vein can also prove fatal, this sort of bleed will flow rather than pulse from the wound. Apply direct pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding and prevent the casualty from going into shock.

Bleed Control kits are now becoming increasingly available across the UK, they are designed to expertly stop severe bleeding and greatly improve survival rates. Bleed control kits typically contain dressings, gloves, scissors and material to use on a chest wound that creates a seal.

The need for these life-saving kits is becoming increasingly clear, with some calls to include bleed control and use of bleed control kits into the school curriculum.

If pressure is working, continue to apply for at least 10 minutes - this is the amount of time it takes for blood clots to form.

Call the Emergency Services

Ensure that the emergency services - both police and ambulance have been called as any stabbing victim will require immediate medical attention.

The emergency services dispatcher will ask questions and provide further guidance on steps to take to stabilise the casualty until paramedics arrive.

If the casualty goes into shock

If you notice the victim turn pale, cold or dizzy they may be going into shock - this is a serious medical emergency caused by lack of blood flowing through the body.

If the casualty goes into shock: continue to apply pressure to the wound, call 999 if you haven’t already, lie them down with their head higher than their heart to increase blood flow to vital organs, and wrap them in a blanket while reassuring them.

Providing Bleed Control kits with defibshop

Imperative Training, in partnership with defibshop, provides a range of bleed control and trauma kits.

These kits, along with effective training, greatly increase the chances of survival following a stabbing or other medical emergency.

Contact Imperative at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 01617767420 or reach defibshop at 01617767422 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more.