TfL Rejects Calls for Bleed Control Kits Across London Bus Network

Transport for London (TfL) has ruled out introducing bleed control kits at major bus stations and selected bus routes across the capital, despite growing political pressure and campaigning from knife crime prevention advocates.

The decision follows a unanimous motion passed by the London Assembly in March urging TfL to work alongside the London Ambulance Service to install the emergency kits across the transport network.

Bleed control kits are designed to help members of the public manage catastrophic blood loss from serious injuries, including stab wounds, before paramedics arrive at the scene.

TfL cites NHS guidance

TfL Commissioner Andy Lord rejected the proposal, stating that current NHS advice indicates standard first aid kits are considered sufficient for dealing with such incidents.

In correspondence sent to London Assembly chair Andrew Boff, Lord also raised concerns around the use of specialist equipment such as tourniquets without appropriate training, warning there could be risks if used incorrectly.

TfL said NHS guidance currently recommends applying direct pressure to wounds and immediately contacting emergency services as the primary public response to severe bleeding incidents.

The transport authority added that all staffed TfL stations and bus stations already contain standard first aid kits and said the organisation would continue reviewing its position should national medical guidance change.

Campaigners criticise decision

The refusal has sparked criticism from campaigners, London Assembly members and community safety advocates.

Dr Lynne Baird MBE, founder of the Daniel Baird Foundation, challenged TfL’s position and argued that bleed kits are straightforward to use, even without formal training.

Baird launched the campaign following the fatal stabbing of her son Daniel in 2017 and has since supported the rollout of bleed kits in public spaces across parts of the UK.

She said emergency services are capable of guiding members of the public through the use of the kits over the phone if necessary and described standard first aid kits as insufficient in severe trauma situations.

Political pressure continues

Labour London Assembly member Elly Baker, who proposed the original motion, said she was disappointed by TfL’s decision and stressed that the proposal originated from concerns raised by the London Youth Assembly about public safety.

Reform UK Assembly members also criticised the move.

Keith Prince AM referenced a bleed control kit installation he had supported at Ardleigh Green College in Hornchurch, which was later reportedly used to help save the life of an 18-year-old stabbing victim in 2023.

Alex Wilson, leader of Reform UK on the London Assembly, accused TfL of ignoring evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of bleed kits in emergency situations.

Wider debate around public safety measures

While bleed kits have been introduced across parts of the West Midlands and other public locations around the UK, London has so far resisted widespread deployment across its transport network.

The debate continues against the backdrop of ongoing concerns around knife crime, youth violence and passenger safety across the capital.