Martyn’s Law, formally the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is designed to improve public safety by making certain premises and events better prepared for a terrorist incident.

It does not replace existing health and safety law. It also does not mean every workplace suddenly needs to become a specialist emergency response team.

But it does create an important question for organisations: if something serious happened, would your staff know what to do, and would your first aid arrangements still make sense?

First Aid Is Part Of Wider Emergency Preparedness

‍Workplaces already have duties around first aid needs assessments, trained first aiders, suitable equipment and clear arrangements for dealing with illness or injury at work.

Martyn’s Law sits in a different area, focusing on public protection procedures such as evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication. However, in a real emergency, those procedures do not exist in isolation.

If people are injured, first aid arrangements become part of the wider response.That means organisations should think about how first aid links with their emergency plans. For example:

• Who raises the alarm?
• Who contacts the emergency services?
• Where is first aid equipment kept?
• Would staff know what to do during a lockdown or evacuation?
• Can first aiders act without putting themselves at unnecessary risk?
• How would casualties be handed over to the emergency services?
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These are practical questions, not just compliance questions.

A Wider View Of First Aid Needs

For premises covered by Martyn’s Law, it may be sensible to review the existing first aid needs assessment with serious incidents in mind.

This is especially relevant for public-facing environments, venues, hospitality, retail, leisure, education settings, places of worship, large workplaces and organised events.

The level of planning should be proportionate. A small workplace will not need the same arrangements as a large venue or event. But the principle is the same: first aid provision should reflect the real risks, layout, footfall, staffing levels and type of activity taking place.

For larger or higher-risk settings, that may include thinking about trauma-focused first aid, catastrophic bleeding awareness, bleed control kits, communication between first aiders and security staff, and how first aid support would work if parts of the site were locked down or evacuated.

Staff Awareness Matters

‍One of the biggest risks in any emergency is confusion.

Procedures are only useful if people understand them. Martyn’s Law places emphasis on practical preparedness, which means staff need to know how to respond quickly and safely.

From a first aid perspective, that means staff should understand:

• how to get help quickly
• who the first aiders are
• where equipment is located
• what to do if they are told to evacuate, invacuate or lock down
• when not to put themselves in danger
• how to follow instructions from emergency services or site leads

This does not mean every member of staff needs advanced medical training. But it does mean first aid arrangements should be visible, understood and connected to the wider emergency plan.

First Aiders Should Not Be Put At Unnecessary Risk

‍This point matters.

The official guidance around Martyn’s Law is based on what is appropriate and reasonably practicable. Staff are not expected to take actions that compromise their own safety.

That is important for first aiders too. In a hostile or uncertain situation, first aid response has to be balanced with personal safety, site procedures and emergency service advice.

Good training helps people understand what they can do, what they should not do, and how to respond calmly under pressure.

What Should Organisations Do Now?

Martyn’s Law is a good prompt for organisations to review whether their first aid arrangements are realistic and joined up.

A sensible review might include:

• checking whether the premises or events are likely to fall within scope
• eviewing first aid needs assessments
• checking first aider numbers and training cover
• reviewing first aid equipment and access to it
• considering whether trauma or bleed control training is appropriate
• linking first aid arrangements with evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication plans
• making sure staff know what to do in an emergency
• practising procedures where appropriate
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The goal is not to create fear. It is to improve readiness.

Practical Training Builds Confidence

In a serious incident, people need clear plans, calm decision-making and practical skills.

First aid training plays an important role in that. It helps staff understand how to respond, how to use equipment, how to support casualties, and how to act within the limits of their role and safety.

For public-facing organisations, venues and larger workplaces, Martyn’s Law is a timely reminder that first aid should not be treated as a tick-box requirement. It should be part of a practical, joined-up emergency response.

Review Your First Aid Preparedness

If your organisation is reviewing its emergency arrangements in light of Martyn’s Law, Promet can help you look at the first aid side of the picture.

We deliver practical workplace first aid training designed to build confidence, improve readiness and help staff know what to do when it matters. View our first aid courses or contact us.

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