A look over this years’ medical news – highlighting the importance of bleeding control

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it's imperative to reflect upon significant medical news globally and take a moment to remember those who have tragically lost their lives. At the heart of this retrospective lies a critical theme: the paramount importance of bleeding control knowledge and the need to become as medically prepared as possible, at any skill level.

US mass shootings of 2023

According to the Gun Violence Archive, as of November 27th there have been 618 mass shootings in the US. A mass shooting is defined by GVA as 4 or more shot or killed, not including the shooter. This number has followed a significant trend over the past few years, having doubled in figure compared to 2018.

Defining bleeding control

Bleeding control refers to the immediate and systematic application of measures to manage and stop the loss of blood from a wounded or injured person. This vital first aid technique aims to minimize blood loss, prevent shock, and increase the chances of survival until professional medical help arrives. Rapid and appropriate bleeding control is of paramount importance in emergency situations, such as accidents, traumatic injuries, or violent incidents, as uncontrolled bleeding can lead to severe complications, or fatality in many tragic scenarios.

2023 timeline of medical news relating to mass shootings and knife crime

January: Shock shooting in a Virginia School:
6-year-old brought gun into school

Police had interviewed the 6-year-old and his mother in the wake of Friday's shooting and determined the gun was legally purchased by the boy's mother, Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew said at a news conference.

The 6-year-old had shot 25-year-old teacher Abigail Zwerner in a first grade classroom; but thankfully the teacher survived. The mother of the child had been indicted by a grand jury with a felony child neglect charge and a misdemeanor charge, according to the BBC.

In this instance, it’s absolutely vital for areas with large gatherings of people, especially young children, that all teachers are trained in basic first aid as well as having access to bleeding control equipment to save lives.

March: Nashville elementary school shooting

A tragic turn of events at an Elementary School in Nashville, where 3 children and 3 adults lost their lives in a horrific calculated attack by a 28-year-old shooter, who was later shot down by authorities. In wake of the shooting, Biden reiterated his call for Congress to pass an assault weapons ban and said there is a "moral price to pay for inaction." - CNN

May - Hollywood Beach shooting on Memorial Day

Nine people were injured in another mass shooting on a boardwalk by Hollywood Beach, Florida. The shooting happened about 6.30pm on Memorial Day. “The shooting last week began as a fight between two groups that ended with gunfire, wounding innocent bystanders on the crowded boardwalk, including a 1-year-old child, according to Hollywood police.”  - CNN 

5 people were arrested, with two people under the age of 18 were among the suspects.

June - Horrific knife attack in southeast France

Four toddlers were hospitalized after a brutal stabbing attack in Annecy, France.

A truly horrific attack occurred with eyewitnesses describing that the attacker entered a playground to target the children.

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted “Absolute cowardice this morning in a park in Annecy. Children and an adult are between life and death. The nation is in shock. Our thoughts are with them, their families and the emergency services.” - CNN

September - 16-year-old boy fatally stabbed in Wolverhampton, UK

A 16-year-old tragically loses his life to a stabbing incident in Wolverhampton, near TyTek UK headquarters.

“Officers who attended the address gave CPR and he was treated by paramedics but the teenager was declared dead at the scene.” - expressandstar

Knife crime is on the rise in the UK, with a 76% increase in Police-recorded offenses involving a knife or sharp instrument in the last 10 years (up to June 2023) according to the Ben Kinsella Trust. Whilst we can only hope that knife crime laws are reviewed, we can provide bleeding control education to ensure the best chance of survival. Take a look at our educational resources here.

October - Halloween weekend shootings in multiple cities

Days after one of the deadliest mass shootings of the year that rocked Maine, weekend shootings in multiple cities left at least 12 people dead and dozens wounded.

President Joe Biden reiterated his call to Congress to address gun violence:

“Americans should not have to live like this,” he said in the statement. “I once again call on Republicans in Congress to fulfill their obligation to keep the American people safe. Until that day comes, I will continue to do everything in my power to end this gun violence epidemic. The Lewiston community – and all Americans – deserve nothing less.” - CNN

It’s never too late to gain knowledge on how to stop severe bleeding as a zero responder

It can never be underestimated how vital first aid knowledge can be, especially bleeding control. A person can bleed out in as little as 5 minutes with the right wound and with emergency services more than likely arriving after that timeframe, it’s essential as the first witness to such an event that you know how to stop a bleed. Whilst it may seem intimidating, your confidence to provide medical aid can be the difference between life or death. 

If you would like to learn more about becoming medically prepared, or stock some of our medical supplies in your inventory, please get in touch with our team as well as following us on our social media to stay up to date.