BIRMINGHAM Children’s Hospital and West Midlands Police have joined forces to try to tackle the rising and tragic issue of knife crime.
The partnership hopes to send a powerful message to teenagers and young people about the potential consequences through the personal experiences of the charity’s doctors and our first responders, who are too often responsible for trying to save young lives following a knife crime incident.
The video is part of a series that hears hard-hitting warning messages and practical advice from the firearms officers, a surgeon at the hospital, and a neighbourhood officer.
It forms part of a wider campaign that aims to educate and inform teenagers of the irreversible and dangerous realities, with the objective being to provide them with the harsh truth in the hope they will choose not to carry a knife.
It will be shown in schools, targeting 11–16-year-olds, and broadcast across the police’s and hospital’s social media channels.
Chief Superintendent Kim Madill, who leads on serious youth violence, for West Midlands Police, said: “Knife crime and violence affect us all, and sadly, we’re seeing far too many young lives lost or changed forever because of it.
“Our firearms officers are often the first on the scene at these incidents, witnessing the devastating impact up close—young people with life-threatening injuries, families in shock, and communities left broken.
“This partnership is so important. Our colleagues at Birmingham Children’s Hospital work tirelessly to save lives, but they shouldn’t have to. We need to understand why young people are carrying knives, and that starts with listening to them.
“Education is key too—this video sends a powerful warning message to anyone thinking of carrying a knife. Imagine if it was your friend, your brother, your child needing life-saving treatment? That’s the reality we’re facing.”
Dr Satish Rao, chief medical officer for Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Unfortunately, we see first-hand the devastating impact knife injuries have on young people and their families.
“We’re very proud to be part of this project, which aims to educate young people across the West Midlands about the potentially tragic consequences of carrying a knife and ultimately tackle the issue of knife crime and violence.”
The Life or Knife campaign raises awareness of the dangers of carrying a knife and encourages young people to make positive choices. Carrying a knife does not keep you safe – it puts you and others at greater risk.
Anyone with concerns about knife crime, need support, or want to report information, should contact police on 101 or via Live Chat on the force’s website.
If anyone is reporting a crime that is in progress or if someone is in immediate danger call 999.
