Medical professionals at a major trauma centre in West Yorkshire have expressed their concerns regarding the increase in knife-related injuries inflicted on both children and adults using machete-style weapons. Doctors have noted that these large blades create complex wounds and trauma for both the victims and those attempting to assist them. The BBC visited Leeds General Infirmary to bear witness to the reality facing medical teams.
In one case, a 33-year-old man had been stabbed in the face resulting in serious knife wounds. Despite his injuries, on-duty consultant Catherine Holmes insisted that he was “quite lucky” due to the lack of significant injury to other parts of his body. Medics stated that the high number of knife-crime victims was a real cause for concern. Staff nurse Matt Tasker, a father-to-be, expressed concern about the future for his family and the potential for knife crime given its current prevalence.
In several recent local tragedies, young people have been killed due to knife crime, resulting in the major trauma centre seeing an increase in the number of such cases. Lead paediatric advanced practitioner Simon Rush noted a worrying trend where young patients advised medical staff that they did not know their attackers. However, the nature of the wounds indicated the use of machete-style blades, suggesting otherwise.
Medical professionals are calling for more education in schools to teach children about the dangers of knife crime and the implications of its use. In a bid to stem the tide, the hospital also provides support for young victims through A&E navigators, a team of youth workers who help access mental health support and other forms of care. Meanwhile, staff are also struggling to process the sheer level of violence they are witnessing, with staff nurse India Tomlinson admitting that she finds it difficult and is left to process these events alone
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