Having First Aid Kits at any premises is a legal requirement in most settings, but for major bleeding or multiple casualties, they are often not effective in managing serious trauma. That's where kits like Bleed Control Kits (BCKs) and Public Access Trauma (PAcT) Kits come in.

But what’s the difference between the two? And which one is right for your environment?

Understanding the Legal and Practical Context

Under UK health and safety regulations, workplaces and public venues must provide basic first aid equipment. However, in recent years, the need for enhanced first aid measures has become increasingly recognised.

The introduction of Martyn’s Law is a clear signal that public safety planning must now go beyond traditional first aid. A legislation that requires public spaces and venues to assess the risk of terrorist attacks and have adequate mitigation plans - including the availability of appropriate emergency equipment.

What Is a Bleed Control Kit?

Developed in collaboration with SALVAS Training, Bleed Control Kits are designed to be simple, effective, and accessible for use in public spaces. Their purpose is to help bystanders or staff immediately control life-threatening bleeding before emergency services arrive.

Key Features:

  • Compact and easy to use by non-medical personnel
  • Designed to manage all types of severe bleeding
  • Ideal for community settings: bars, train stations, community halls, schools, and other public venues
  • Helps control bleeding from injuries caused by knives, accidents, or trauma

Bleed Control Kits empower everyday people to step in and save lives in those crucial first minutes after an incident.

What Is a Public Access Trauma (PAcT) Kit?

PAcT Kits take emergency preparedness a step further. These kits are a direct response to the rising threat of mass casualty incidents and are strongly recommended by both ProtectUK and NACTSO (National Counter Terrorism Security Office).

Key Features:

  • Designed to support multiple casualties
  •   More comprehensive than standard Bleed Control Kits
  • Includes equipment for severe bleeds, catastrophic injuries, and basic airway management
  • Suitable for high-footfall areas: stadiums, shopping centres, entertainment venues, transport hubs
  • Martyn’s Law compliant
  • Can be used by bystanders or even self-applied by an injured person if necessary

PAcT Kits are not just about treating injuries, they are about providing a structured response to large-scale emergencies, ensuring that venues are prepared and compliant with evolving safety legislation.

 

Which Kit Do You Need?

Ask yourself:

  • Is the first aid provision I currently have suitable for treating more than one injured person?
  • Is it capable of managing severe or catastrophic bleeding?
  • Does it support self-treatment in situations where help may not be immediately available?
  • Does it align with Martyn’s Law compliance if I operate a public venue?

If the answer to any of these is “no,” you may need to consider upgrading your emergency provisions.

Bleed Control Kits are ideal for smaller or lower-risk public areas where a quick, simple solution is needed for a single injured person. You can find our Bleed Control Kit here.

PAcT Kits are better suited for larger venues or organisations with a duty to protect higher volumes of people and prepare for complex emergencies.

The Bottom Line: Saving Lives

Both Bleed Control Kits and PAcT Kits exist with one goal in mind: to reduce harm and save lives. In those terrifying moments after a serious injury or attack, these kits bridge the gap between incident and professional medical care.

Investing in the right kit and training staff to use them is a simple but powerful step in building safer communities and ensuring compliance with evolving public safety standards.