“Our team responded without hesitation. Their use of the bleed kit, calm communication, and quick escalation quite literally helped save a life.”
— Suicide Prevention UK
In the early hours of 24 November 2024, a man was left critically injured after a serious stabbing near Terrace Walk in Bath.
While the streets were quiet, a Suicide Prevention UK patrol team — conducting a routine mental health and crisis prevention patrol — were the first to discover the victim, who had suffered multiple stab wounds. Thanks to their swift response, emergency bleed control was administered immediately, helping to stabilise the man until emergency services arrived.
First on Scene and First to Act
Upon discovering the man, our volunteers quickly assessed the scene and activated emergency procedures. Using their bleed control training and a specialist emergency bleed kit, they were able to stem the bleeding and provide initial lifesaving care.
Bath BID security arrived shortly after and assisted at the scene. They were followed by officers from Avon and Somerset Police and paramedics. The man was transported to hospital where he remains in a critical but stable condition, with injuries described as life-changing.
???? Read the BBC’s full article here
Formal Recognition from Bath’s Chief Inspector
Following the incident, Suicide Prevention UK received a letter of thanks from Bath’s Chief Inspector at Avon and Somerset Police, formally recognising the actions of both our patrol team and the attending officers.
The letter commended the fast thinking and bravery shown by the volunteers during an extremely difficult and traumatic situation.
“Our team responded without hesitation. Their use of the bleed kit, calm communication, and quick escalation quite literally helped save a life.”
— Suicide Prevention UK
Trained to Save Lives — Beyond Suicide Prevention
While our charity’s mission is focused on suicide prevention, our patrol teams are trained to handle a wide range of critical incidents. Thanks to specialist bleed kit training, our volunteers are equipped not only to support those in mental health crisis but to intervene in medical emergencies where every second counts.
This incident shows the real-world value of emergency preparedness, especially in night-time environments where early intervention can make all the difference.
Help Keep Our Teams on the Ground
Suicide Prevention UK receives no government funding. Every piece of kit, every training session, every patrol — is only possible through public donations.
Your support helps us:
- Train volunteers in crisis and emergency response
- Supply emergency equipment, including bleed control kits
- Deploy patrols to high-risk areas across the UK
???? Donate to Suicide Prevention UK ›
If You Need Help
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call:
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK – 0800 587 0800
We are incredibly proud of our team for their courage and fast thinking. We also acknowledge the swift response of Bath BID security and Avon and Somerset Police, all of whom played a part in preventing the worst outcome.