Queensland Police officers will soon be equipped with personal tactical first aid kits following a critical shooting incident in Annerley. The move comes after an officer used a personally purchased tourniquet to save a colleague’s life when responding to a trespassing call.
Background: Annerley Shooting Incident
The decision to introduce personal first aid kits follows an incident in Annerley, where Acting Sergeant Liam Bailey was shot in the leg while responding to a trespassing report. The event unfolded in the early hours when A/Sgt Bailey and Constable Boyd Harrington-Karaitiana attended a call in Tamar Street regarding a man behaving erratically.
During the confrontation, the 26-year-old man allegedly attempted to seize A/Sgt Bailey’s firearm. In the ensuing struggle, the weapon discharged, striking A/Sgt Bailey in the leg. Cst Harrington-Karaitiana then shot the man twice in the stomach before additional officers arrived and subdued him with a taser.
Both officers and the suspect were transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital, where A/Sgt Bailey underwent surgery and remains in stable condition. Cst Harrington-Karaitiana was treated for a bite wound and later discharged.
The Push for Tactical First Aid Kits
The shooting reignited calls from the Queensland Police Union (QPU) for frontline officers to carry personal tactical first aid kits, which will now be provided as part of a $5.4 million investment over the next five years. The kits will contain:
- Tourniquets to control life-threatening bleeding
- Specialised bandages for severe wounds
- Trauma shears to cut through clothing and gear
Although tactical first aid kits have been available in police vehicles, they were not personally issued to officers. In A/Sgt Bailey’s case, retrieving the station-issued kit was not an option due to the urgency of the situation.
Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie confirmed that officers will have the choice to carry the kits but will not be mandated to do so. Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski stated that officers had expressed a strong need for these kits, which could be used in high-risk situations involving both police and the public.
Police Union Applauds Rapid Action
The Queensland Police Union (QPU) has been advocating for personal tactical first aid kits for officers, particularly following cases where emergency medical intervention was necessary. In this instance, Cst Harrington-Karaitiana’s decision to purchase his tourniquet saved A/Sgt Bailey’s life.
The union has welcomed the swift response from authorities, noting that similar proposals often take years of committee discussions before action is taken. The Annerley incident highlighted the immediate need for such resources, with medical professionals confirming that the timely application of the tourniquet played a crucial role in stabilising Bailey before further treatment.
Looking Ahead: Implementation and Training
The $5.4 million program will fund 12,500 tactical first aid kits over five years, with frontline officers as the priority recipients. While carrying the kits remains optional, police will undergo specialised training to ensure they can apply tourniquets and other emergency treatments effectively.
Authorities believe this measure will significantly improve survival rates in critical situations where officers or civilians sustain life-threatening injuries.
Published 28-Feb-2025
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