A man being treated by a first aider. Public Access Trauma Kit (PAcT)

What Is a Public Access Trauma Kit (PAcT) and Why Every Large Venue Needs One

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Under Martyn’s Law (Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025), venues across the UK are now required to be better prepared for terrorist attacks, including mass casualty events involving stabbing, gunfire, or bombing. A critical part of that preparedness is having Public Access Trauma (PAcT) Kits on site—and making sure staff are trained to use them.

What Is a PAcT Kit?

A PAcT Kit (Public Access Trauma Kit) is a specialist first aid kit designed to treat catastrophic injuries that occur during major incidents, such as:

  • Stabbings
  • Gunshot wounds
  • Explosions or bomb blasts
  • Vehicle rammings
  • Terrorist attacks

These kits are designed for public use—meaning anyone with basic training (or even minimal instruction) can use them to help save lives while waiting for emergency services.

Think of it as the trauma equivalent of a defibrillator (AED): fast, accessible, and potentially life-saving in the crucial minutes after an attack.

What Should Be in a PAcT Kit?

According to ProtectUK and other emergency preparedness sources, a well-stocked PAcT Kit should include the following items:

Bleeding Control Supplies

  • Bomb in street compression

Wound Management

  • Chest seals: for penetrating injuries to the torso
  • Burn dressings
  • Adhesive tape and scissors
  • Trauma shears: to cut away clothing quickly

Airway and Shock Care

  • Foil blankets: to prevent hypothermia
  • Gloves: non-latex, multiple pairs
  • Face shields for CPR

Instructions

  • A clearly written instruction card or diagram
  • QR code for video guidance (some kits include this)

Many venues opt for tamper-proof trauma kits in clearly marked bags or boxes. There are also wall-mounted cabinet options, like AEDs, which can be located in public spaces.

Where Should PAcT Kits Be Stored?

Location is everything. A trauma kit won’t save a life if no one can find it in an emergency.

We recommend:

  • Mounting at key access points, much like defibrillators;
  • Keeping one in each zone of a large venue;
  • Storing kits in staffed areas like reception, security control or first aid rooms;
  • Label clearly, include in your venue map, and add signage;
  • Consider mobile kits for stewards, event managers and outdoor staff.

Just like a fire extinguisher or AED, a trauma kit should be:

  • Visible
  • Quick to reach
  • Easy to open
  • Immediately recognisable

Who Should Be Trained to Use PAcT Kits?

The great thing about trauma kits is that they are designed for broad usability—you don’t have to be a paramedic. But to make the most of them, you do need specialist training.

The following roles should absolutely be trained:

  • Security personnel
  • Stewards and marshals
  • Event managers and duty managers
  • Reception staff and venue hosts
  • Retail managers in shopping centres
  • Nightclub or pub door staff

At larger venues, it’s also wise to train volunteers, contractors, and catering staff.

PAcT Kit

How We Train People to Use PAcT Kits

At the First Aid Training Co-operative, our Major Incident Management (MIM) course includes:

  • How to stop massive bleeding with tourniquets and pressure dressings
  • How to apply chest seals and manage sucking chest wounds
  • How to treat burns, blast injuries, and crush injuries
  • Realistic scenario training with multiple casualties
  • Where to store your trauma kits—and how to include them in drills

This is not your standard First Aid at Work course. It’s practical, fast-paced, hands-on, and scenario-led. Because that’s what real-life major incidents demand.

What Martyn’s Law Says About Trauma Readiness

Martyn’s Law requires all venues with a capacity over 200 people to:

If you’re in the Enhanced Tier (800+ people), you must also:

  • Develop a formal security plan
  • Appoint a senior responsible person
  • Conduct regular drills and exercises

Without PAcT kits, your venue cannot realistically respond to mass trauma.

PAcT kits and related training will become a benchmark of compliance under Martyn’s Law inspections.

What Happens If You’re Not Prepared?

If a major incident happens at your venue and staff aren’t equipped to deal with trauma:

  • People could die unnecessarily
  • Your venue could face media outrage
  • You could be investigated and fined for non-compliance
  • The long-term PR damage could be devastating

The truth is: PAcT kits are a small investment that could have a huge impact when it matters most.

Prepare Now, Save Lives Later

PAcT kits are not optional under Martyn’s Law—they are essential. They turn bystanders into lifesavers and make the difference in the minutes that matter most.

Get started now:

Want to train your team in trauma care and Martyn’s Law compliance? Visit First Aid Training Co-operative to book your Major Incident Management course today. Want to enhance your staff wellbeing programme too?

We also offer Mental Health First Aid courses to support teams dealing with the after-effects of trauma or crisis.

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