Ambulance volunteers saddle up on e-bikes for Cork City Marathon

Irish Examiner

4 days ago

Life-saving first responders have deployed an e-bike rapid response medical unit in Cork for the first time — providing cover at this weekend's city marathon.
As thousands of runners hit the streets on Sunday, St John Ambulance Cork volunteers saddled up on their new electric bikes, each equipped to carry up to 25kg of medical gear, including defibrillators, oxygen, and essential life-support tools, to help provide medical cover for event participants and spectators, along the route.
The charity believes its eBike Cycle Response Unit is the first of its kind in Ireland.
The unit comprises two electronically-assisted pedal cycles, or e-bikes which are designed to navigate urban environments with ease.
The charity said the unit enhances its emergency medical response capability in the city by allowing its first aiders and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to navigate congested streets and get through large, crowded areas fast.
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Ultimately, it allows them to reach casualties in areas inaccessible to traditional ambulances as quickly as possible to begin administering potentially life-saving treatment as soon as possible.
Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Honore Kamegni with cycle responders Colin Desmond and Alan Barry from St John Ambulance with the new E-bikes donated to the voluntary ambulance service from Roca Sports in Fota Enterpirse Park in Carrigtwohill. Picture: Noel Sweeney
It will be especially useful for big stadium games, for big music events, such as the summer concerts series starting in Virgin Media Park this week, and at Live at the Marquee later this month, and at other major public events, city parades or festivals.
The unit was made possible thanks to financial support from a joint Cork City Council-HSE South West initiative, with contributions from local city councillors, and through sponsorship from Roca Sports, Eco-Bike, and Clearsphere.
Alan Barry, a cycle responder and an EMT with St John Ambulance Cork City, described the e-bikes as 'a game-changer for the group', especially on Leeside with its hills and narrow streets.
'They enable us to get to patients faster in busy urban settings and at large events where access by ambulance can be difficult,' he said.
We're looking forward to seeing the difference they'll make at events like the Cork City Marathon, match days at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, concerts, and public gatherings such as the St Patrick's Day parade in Cork City Centre
Megan Butler, the divisional manager for St John Ambulance Cork City, said the charity has also sought to adapt and equip its volunteers with the best of equipment.
'The introduction of e-bikes represents a natural and exciting progression in how we adapt to the evolving needs of our communities and members,' she said.
'Equipping our cycle responders with the best tools possible ensures we can deliver the highest standard of care.
'At St John Ambulance Cork City, our dedicated volunteers work tirelessly, often in demanding situations, to provide vital support and emergency assistance.
'Providing them with innovative equipment like these e-bikes helps us enhance their ability to respond quickly and effectively, making a real difference in people's lives when it matters most.'
St John Ambulance has been at the forefront of emergency medical services in Ireland since 1903 and has operated from a permanent base in Cork City since 1934.
Its volunteers provide medical cover for large-scale public events, they assist the HSE, and they deliver first aid training to the public.
Globally, St John Ambulance operates in 44 countries, supported by 160,000 volunteers and a fleet of over 10,000 ambulances.