Remembering the Victims of the Bondi Stabbing: What Have We Learned?
One year after the tragic Bondi Junction stabbing, we reflect on the urgent need for better public preparedness in responding to violent incidents. With low national first aid training rates and increasing risks, this blog explores how Responder Wear is working to equip first responders, security personnel, and everyday Australians with the tools and training needed to save lives — when every second counts.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Paul McFarlane
4/14/20252 min read
A year has passed since the tragic stabbing at Bondi Junction Westfield in Sydney, where six people lost their lives and many others were injured. As we reflect on the events of April 13, 2024, it’s important to ask: have we learned anything about how to better prepare for attacks like this?
For those unfamiliar with the incident, a man armed with a kitchen knife attacked unsuspecting shoppers at the busy shopping centre. In less than three minutes, he stabbed 16 people — six of them fatally. Two security guards who tried to intervene were also attacked, and one was killed. The attack was stopped six minutes after it began, when a police officer fatally shot the offender.
While mass casualty events like this are rare in Australia, marauding knife attacks are now considered one of the more likely forms of future terrorist activity. These attacks happen quickly and often in crowded spaces, making it difficult for people to recognise danger before it's too late. As we saw at Bondi, a lot can go wrong in just a few minutes.
We’re still waiting on the findings from the coronial investigation, but from a preparedness standpoint, it’s clear there’s more work to do. In particular, there’s a real gap in how well bystanders and frontline security staff are trained and equipped to provide immediate life-saving care.
Currently, fewer than 5% of Australians are trained in first aid — among the lowest rates in the world. That’s a problem. It means that in a crisis, most people won’t know how to help. And when every second counts, that lack of basic knowledge can cost lives.
At Responder Wear, we know that simply handing out first aid kits isn’t enough. That’s why we’re working with training organisations to deliver advanced first aid training tailored for security professionals. We’re also developing discreet kits for the security industry that will have the tools needed to treat severe injuries like stab wounds.
One product we’re especially excited about is the Slishman Pressure Wrap — a simple, affordable bandage that requires minimal training to use. It’s ideal for treating major bleeding, even in high-stress environments. We believe it’s a game-changer for civilian first aid responders.
If you're a first aider, ask yourself:
Are you confident in managing major bleeding?
Do you have the right equipment in your first aid kit to apply in an emergency?
If not, now is the time to act. Sign up for a reputable first aid course focused on trauma response and bleeding control. And make sure your kit includes high-quality gear designed for real emergencies.
If you're a first aid trainer, we’d love to connect and show you how easy it is to incorporate the Slishman Pressure Wrap into your courses. Giving your students the confidence to act quickly and effectively in a crisis could mean the difference between life and death.
Our mission is to help you save lives. If you’re unsure what gear you need or how to build a more prepared team, reach out — we’re here to help.