Post-Incident Management
Surviving the physical moment is only half the battle. What happens *after* violence is often more dangerous medically, more stressful emotionally, and more complex legally.
Module 6 teaches everything that happens once the threat ends: **bleed control, shock, trauma, police reporting, legal rights, safeguarding, emotional stabilisation, evidence preservation, and survivor support.**
1. Immediate Danger Check – Safety Before Care
Before offering any help, ensure the area is safe. Violence often comes in waves — the threat might return.
- Scan for additional attackers
- Check for weapons on the floor
- Move the injured person only if the area is unsafe
- Call emergency services immediately if needed
2. Bleed Control – The First Priority
In real-world violence, blood loss is the fastest killer. You have **3–5 minutes** to control severe bleeding.
- Arterial – Bright red, spurting → life threatening
- Venous – Darker red, steady flow
- Capillary – Oozing, less dangerous
- Direct Pressure – Firm, continuous, whole-hand pressure
- Pressure Bandage – Clothing, bandage, or improvised wrap
- Tourney (if trained) – Only for limbs and major bleeds
- Don’t remove embedded objects
- Don’t check the wound repeatedly
- Don’t use a tourniquet unless necessary
3. Shock Recognition & Management
Shock kills. It is a critical medical emergency, often following trauma, fear, blood loss, or severe pain.
- Pale or cold skin
- Rapid breathing
- Weak or rapid pulse
- Confusion / disorientation
- Feeling faint or collapsing
- Lay them down
- Elevate legs (unless injured)
- Keep warm
- Reassure constantly
- Call emergency services
4. Emotional Aftermath – The Brain After Violence
Trauma isn’t always visible. The nervous system can take hours, days, or months to settle.
- Shaking or trembling
- Nausea
- Emotional blunting
- Hyper-alertness
- Crying or anger
- Flashbacks
- Slow breathing: inhale 4, hold 2, exhale 6
- Grounding: name 5 things you can see
- Safe person call: contact someone immediately
- Warm drink → stabilises parasympathetic response
5. Evidence Preservation & What Not to Do
The police rely heavily on the victim’s ability to preserve evidence. Your actions can make or break a conviction.
- Do NOT wash hands immediately
- Do NOT change clothes
- Keep damaged clothing dry
- Store items in separate paper bags
- Save CCTV timestamps
- Do not delete messages
- Screen-record threatening messages
- Save GPS locations
- Don’t clean scene
- Don’t move objects unless necessary
- Avoid touching wounds unless applying pressure
6. Police Reporting & Legal Process
The UK legal system follows a structured approach for violent incidents.
- Weapon involved
- Someone seriously injured
- Suspect still nearby
- Immediate danger to life
- Location (postcode if possible)
- Nature of the incident
- Description of attacker
- Injuries present
- Describe what you saw, heard, felt
- Stick to facts
- Don’t guess timelines
- Explain fear level clearly
7. Safeguarding & Follow-Up Support
After violence, safeguarding ensures ongoing safety.
- Police domestic violence units
- Crisis centres
- Witness support services
- Counselling referrals
- Medical follow-ups
🧠 Module 6 Knowledge Test – 10 Questions
Incorrect answers show explanations + correct answer.

