Ambulance Service Launches Campaign to Tackle Knife Crime

SCAS leads a knife crime project this February, covering Hampshire and the Thames Valley area. The goal is to reduce knife-related offenses and show the impact on everyone involved. They will teach emergency first aid for stabbing victims.

The Office of National Statistics shared data indicating over 50,000 knife crimes between September 2023 and 2024. The Home Office reported over 2,500 deaths in 2023, highlighting an 80% rise in knife crimes in the last ten years, with knife homicides rising 23% as well.

SCAS responds to many serious stabbings, giving them the highest priority for calls. The ONS reported over 2,160 stabbings in the SCAS area between September 2023 and 2024.

Mark Ainsworth-Smith spoke about the tragic deaths, saying knife crime affects many people a year. Families, friends, and emergency staff are all affected, and everyone suffers a lot of trauma.

Despite the stats, there is some good news, as knife crime fell 19% since 2022 in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Patrick Green feels education and awareness campaigns are key. He wants to give young people skills and knowledge to understand the consequences of knife crime.

SCAS plans several events for this February, including releasing a short film featuring Amanda Stephens and Kirsten Willis-Drewett. Stephens’ son was stabbed in Reading, and Willis-Drewett was on the scene that day.

SCAS works with other groups in Langley to teach young people first aid, aiming to equip them to handle stabbing incidents. They will also release a first aid video providing advice to the public.