Press release30th May 2023
Launched by the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP) with support from Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit, the new StreetDrs Save Lives E-Learning App is a fully interactive, non-judgemental, and trauma-informed bitesize course offering crucial advice for 11-25-year-olds if they see someone bleeding or unconscious.
Developed by medics, co-created by young actors and healthcare students, and road-tested by young people including Rhys, Maud, Lizzie, and Brooke from the Moreton Youth Space in Merseyside (pictured below), the accredited E-Learning App asks participants a series of questions on issues such as loss of blood at a crime scene and offers potentially life-saving advice on what to do.
It also focuses on debunking some of the common myths around knife crime, such as that there is no safe place for someone to be stabbed. It has been purposefully put together to stimulate debate and discussion.
StreetDoctors statistics show that after first aid training, 83% of young people want to help in emergency situations. The E-Learning App will help to empower more young active bystanders.
Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Sadly, we have seen far too many times, the heart-breaking consequences of knife crime on our communities.
“Our priority must be on preventing these tragedies from taking place. Emergency first aid in those crucial minutes after a stabbing has the power to save lives.
“Equipping our young people with the skills to intervene if they ever find themselves in such a crisis isn’t just practical – it’s also preventative.
“Through the launch of the StreetDrs Save Lives E-Learning App in Merseyside, we are focused on making sure they understand the real-life consequences of picking up a blade, while also empowering them to become potential lifesavers. It could make the difference between life and death.”
Temporary Head of the MVRP, Superintendent Georgie Garvey, said: “Our research shows there are still myths widely held by young people about knife crime that need challenging if we are to keep them safe.
“We also need to be absolutely clear, there is no such thing as a ‘warning’ when it comes to knives – any stab wound can prove fatal. It takes on average eight minutes for an ambulance to arrive to the scene of stabbing. Using this training, a young person could save a life in that time.”
A care home in Wirral showed the E-Learning App to OFSTED inspectors, prior to a highly successful inspection.
Their manager said: “One of the biggest positives is being able to use different platforms to engage young people, for example one young person was able to navigate the app themselves with ease, showcasing their own knowledge proudly! Another young person needed some additional support from staff, so we decided to project it on to the lounge TV navigate through the programme over several sessions.”
The StreetDrs Save Lives E-Learning App is available to be purchased by education settings, youth groups and criminal justice services all over the UK by clicking below: