1,000 marathon first aiders in training
As the UK's most dedicated athletes prepare to run the world's
greatest Marathon, the UK’s most dedicated first aid
volunteers are too in top condition for this spectacular
event.
With just days to go, the 1,000 St John Ambulance staff and
volunteers on duty are topping up their training, filling up their
first aid kits and preparing to provide the very best first aid
care to any competitor or spectator who may need it.
Co-ordinated by St John Ambulance in London, the Flora London
Marathon sees the biggest deployment of volunteers,
state-of-the-art treatment centres, ambulances and
specialist vehicles to any event in the UK, with
members travelling as far as Avon, Dorset, Cardiff and
Manchester.
Planning for this lengthy challenge has been in process since
late last year, with the events team co-ordinating over 1,000
volunteers from over 10 counties and ensuring enough vehicles
and equipment will be available to support the 4,000
casualties which occur each year.
Our teams have been preparing hard for months to ensure that every man, woman and child who are in attendance on the day, as a spectator or competitor, have access to the best first aid treatment if they should need it.
Ann Cable
Commissioner for St John Ambulance London
Ann Cable, Commissioner of St John Ambulance London (Prince of
Wales’s) District, who is in charge of this year’s operation, said:
'We have provided for the needs of runners at the Flora London
Marathon for many years. However, every year is different and
brings different challenges and this creates an incredible amount
of planning and organisation.
'Our teams have been preparing hard for months to ensure that
every man, woman and child who are in attendance on the day, as a
spectator or competitor, have access to the best first aid
treatment if they should need it. We hope everyone has a fantastic
and safe day.'
Did you know?
- St John Ambulance has provided first aid support at the London
Marathon since it first began, this will be the 29th year
at the event.
- St John Ambulance use approximately 100lbs of petroleum
jelly and 200 bottles of baby oil each year – the
organisation’s youth members make this easily available to the
competitors by standing at the sidelines.
- There is a St John Ambulance member along approximately every
35 metres of the course.
- Over 50 treatment centres along the route of
the course will help those with minor complaints successfully reach
the finish line.