TFL rejects calls for bleed control kits to be rolled out on London buses

Transport for London (TfL) have rejected a proposal from the London Assembly to roll out lifesaving bleed control kits in all major bus stations and on selected routes.

In March, Assembly members unanimously passed a motion calling on TfL to work with the London Ambulance Service (LAS) to ensure the kits, which stem bleeding from deep wounds or stabs before emergency services arrive on the scene, are available.

The proposal also called for training to be rolled out across the transport network, including first aid training for bus drivers and frontline staff, to ensure confidence in responding to catastrophic bleeding emergencies.

However, TfL Commissioner Andy Lord has now rejected the proposal outright, claiming that the body is following NHS guidance which suggests standard first aid kits are sufficient for such incidents.

In a letter to London Assembly Chair Andrew Boff, he wrote: “The NHS also highlights that the effective use of bleed kits requires appropriate training and there is a risk of significant harm if tourniquets, which are usually included in bleed kits, are not used correctly.

“The NHS recommends that the most important and effective bystander intervention is to apply continuous direct pressure to the site of bleeding and call 999 immediately.

“Based on this expert advice, we are not currently planning to roll out or promote bleed kits across our network but we continue to keep our position under review in response to expert advice.

“All TfL stations and staffed bus stations are equipped with first aid kits. We continue to keep the further provision of first aid kits and other equipment, including bleed kits, under review, taking into account any changes to the NHS’s national or London-wide guidance.”

The decision has been heavily criticised by both campaigners and Assembly Members, however.

Dr Lynne Baird MBE, the founder of the Daniel Baird Foundation and a staunch advocate of bleed kits being accessible across the country after her son was fatally stabbed in 2017, rejected Mr Lord’s arguments.

She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “People don’t need to be trained to use them – training is certainly useful but it’s not needed.

“They are very simple and straightforward – and if not, the emergency services will be able to talk you through it. I’m sure the London Ambulance Service could handle it.

“Many other public transport methods have put these into operation. They would be an essential addition to all buses.