Stay Safe in a Bomb Threat: Essential Action Steps for Venues Under Martyn’s Law
Bomb threats are terrifying—but preparation saves lives. Whether real or hoax, every bomb threat must be taken seriously, and venue staff need to know exactly what to do. With the introduction of Martyn’s Law (Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025), venues across the UK are now legally required to prepare for these types of incidents.
Bomb Threats in Public Venues – A Growing Concern
A bomb threat can come in many forms:
- A phone call, email or anonymous tip
- A suspicious package spotted by a member of the public
- A verbal warning during an event
Whether or not there is a device present, a bomb threat triggers panic, confusion, and potential harm. In crowded venues, this can escalate quickly if staff are unprepared.
Immediate Steps to Take During a Bomb Threat
According to the UK’s National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), venues should follow these key principles when a threat is received or suspected:
1. REMAIN CALM
Panicked reactions can cause more harm than good. Your team’s calm, controlled response is critical.
2. RECORD THE DETAILS
If the threat comes via phone or message, make a note of:
- Exact wording
- Caller ID or email address
- Background noise or accent
- Time received
3. REPORT TO POLICE
Dial 999 immediately. Inform police of the threat, your location, and any details received.
4. DECIDE ON EVACUATION
Use the HOT protocol to assess suspicious items:
- Hidden?
- Obvious signs it’s a bomb (wires, ticking)?
- Typical of the area?
If in doubt, evacuate.
5. EVACUATE OR INVACUATE SAFELY
Avoid public announcements that may cause panic. Use pre-planned procedures and clear, calm instructions.
Do You Have an Evacuation Plan?
Under Martyn’s Law, all venues must have emergency response procedures—including what to do in a bomb threat.
Ask yourself:
- Do you have multiple evacuation routes?
- Are your staff trained to lead and manage an evacuation?
- Do you have rendezvous points and roll-call procedures?
- Have you practised these steps under pressure?
Without a plan, even the best intentions can lead to chaos and injury.
ProtectUK’s free Action Cards are printable resources that give step-by-step instructions for staff in a range of terrorist scenarios, including bomb threats.
Display these in staff areas and use them in training to help teams:
- Recognise threats
- Act quickly and safely
- Communicate with emergency services
Understanding Martyn’s Law (Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025)
Passed in April 2025, Martyn’s Law is named in honour of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims of the Manchester Arena bombing. The law requires UK venues to prepare for terrorist threats, including bomb threats, through planning, training, and communication.
What first aid training is needed for a Bomb Attack?
While First Aid at Work (FAW) courses are helpful for everyday injuries, they are not designed for mass-casualty scenarios like bombings. Key gaps include:
- No training on blast trauma or shrapnel wounds
- No knowledge of triage systems
- No planning for multiple casualties
- No preparation for panic and crowd control
In a bomb-related incident, first aid needs to focus on:
- Major bleeds
- Crushed limbs
- Breathing difficulties from dust or smoke
- Burns
What Kind of Training Should Your Staff Receive?
Our Major Incident Management (MIM) course is tailored to the requirements of Martyn’s Law and includes:
- Evacuation and invacuation procedures
- Trauma care: tourniquets, bleeding control, burns management
- Triage for multiple casualties
- Communication with emergency services
- Realistic, scenario-based simulations
