London Assembly Unanimously Backs Motion for Lifesaving Kits on Buses
The London Assembly has issued a strong recommendation to Transport for London, urging the installation of lifesaving bleed control kits at all major bus stations and on board services operating along selected routes in areas with high incidents of serious violence. Assembly Members voted unanimously in favor of the motion, which calls for immediate collaboration between TfL and the London Ambulance Service to implement this critical safety measure.
Addressing Safety Concerns for Young Londoners
Elly Baker, the Labour group's transport spokesperson who proposed the motion, emphasized that while defibrillators have been widely installed across the transport network—primarily benefiting older Londoners—there is a pressing need to address the safety concerns of younger residents. "Young Londoners feel that a wider rollout of bleed kits on the transport network, including our buses—which are used so frequently by young people—would be beneficial for emergency situations," Baker stated. She added that passing this motion demonstrates the Assembly's commitment to listening to youth voices and exploring all viable methods to save lives.
The initiative was brought to the Assembly's attention by members of the London Youth Assembly, highlighting a grassroots demand for enhanced safety measures. LYA Chair Hugo Maxwell pointed out that bleed control kits are already available in many Underground stations, but buses remain the most commonly used mode of transport among young people. "This is a really low-cost, high-reward strategy. It's something that can be rolled out quickly and kits are very cheap. This is one of the most efficient ways to help save people's lives in London," Maxwell explained.
Training and Awareness as Key Components
The proposal extends beyond mere installation, advocating for comprehensive training and awareness programs across the transport network. This includes first aid training for bus drivers and frontline staff to ensure they are confident and capable of responding to catastrophic bleeding emergencies before professional medical help arrives. Deputy LYA Chair Mia Mormah reinforced this point, noting that such measures not only enhance actual safety but also boost the confidence of young people when using public transport.
However, the motion is non-binding, meaning Mayor Sadiq Khan is not obligated to adopt or implement the recommendations. Reform UK Assembly Member Keith Prince expressed support for the idea but voiced concerns that it might "be falling on deaf ears and that the Mayor will reject this very sensible idea of having a kit that can save someone's life." Prince referenced a 2024 exchange where Mayor Khan stated that specialist bleed control kits were "not essential," citing NHS advice that standard first aid kits and improvisation with everyday materials are sufficient for most bleeding wounds.
Previous Resistance and Expert Opinions
In 2024, when questioned by Prince, Mayor Khan highlighted the NHS position, which stresses that effective use of bleed kits requires appropriate training and warns of potential harm if tourniquets are misused. "The NHS strongly advocates for all people living and working in London to undertake basic training and become more confident in providing first aid, including bleed control," Khan said at the time. Based on this expert guidance, TfL has previously concluded that there is no current need for specialist bleed control kits across its network.
Despite this historical resistance, the London Assembly's motion underscores a growing consensus on the importance of proactive safety measures. The proposed pilot scheme aims to assess the costs and logistical challenges of rolling out bleed control kits, with advocates arguing that the low expense and high potential for saving lives make it a worthwhile investment. As the debate continues, the focus remains on balancing expert medical advice with the urgent safety needs expressed by London's youth and their representatives.
