Cycle paramedics deployed for Liberation Day

Paramedics on bikes will be deployed in St Peter Port as part of the ambulance service cover for this year’s Liberation Day celebrations.

The two Ambulance and Rescue cycle paramedics will provide a skilled first response to medical emergencies around the quay and piers where large crowds are expected on 9th May. The bikes will have the ability to negotiate crowds and deliver urgent treatment and life-saving interventions in areas which may not be immediately accessible to other ambulance vehicles.

The bikes which belong to the St John Guernsey charity Cycle Response Unit, have upgraded frames, strengthened wheels and specially designed panniers, to cope with the additional loads associated with carrying essential medical equipment. The equipment is a slimmed down version of the kits carried in double crewed ambulances.

Although the Cycle Response Unit with volunteer first aiders has been present at some Liberation Day events in previous years, it is the first time since 2015 that paramedics have used bikes to get to incidents in St Peter Port.

Head of Operations Dean De La Mare said: “The cycle paramedics will enhance our resilience and give us greater flexibility as part of the overall medical cover for Liberation Day. With large crowds expected and restricted vehicle movements, the bikes will allow us to deliver enhanced care quickly in the event of a medical emergency. While we hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable day, we do need to be prepared for the possibility of someone becoming unwell or getting injured, so the cycle paramedics will be an important addition to our event plans.”

The St John Guernsey charity will also have volunteer teams on duty around town to provide first aid for minor injuries and support for other medical incidents. In addition to the cycle paramedics, an Ambulance and Rescue Operational Commander will be stationed in St Peter Port, to oversee and coordinate incidents.

The Ambulance and Rescue Service is also increasing the total number of ambulance crews on duty on 9th May to enhance island wide resilience and preparedness. The ambulance service will have emergency vehicles stationed at standby points around the island to counter any possible congestion around St Peter Port.

Mr De La Mare added: “Although a lot of the focus will be on St Peter Port it is important that we continue to maintain cover for the rest of the island, with the ability to respond to the types of urgent and emergency cases that occur on a daily basis”