New Year first aid support
Dedicated St John Ambulance volunteers
treated more than 300 casualties and conveyed over 50 to hospital,
as hundreds of thousands of revellers gathered on the streets of
London to celebrate New Year's Eve.
Over 170 St John Ambulance volunteers were deployed in the heart
of London town to guarantee that crowds welcomed 2010 in safely.
Throughout the night, they were responsible for treating
318 and sending 58 to hospital.
With 13 treatment centres set up, 15 ambulances
deployed and two motorbikes ready, volunteers could ensure
that 700,000 people had an enjoyable and safe
evening with friends and family.
We are always prepared for a large amount of casualties at such a high profile event.
Dave Bell
Assistant Commissioner Operations, St John Ambulance London
Music in the build up to midnight was mixed live by Radio One's
award winning Nihal, and an impressive array of glittering
fireworks exploded across the London skyline. In addition to the
10th anniversary celebrations for the London Eye, it was an equally
special occasion for St John Ambulance, who have been providing
first aid cover to the official celebrations since they first began
in the millennium.
Dave Bell, Assistant Commissioner Operations for St John
Ambulance in London, said: ‘We are incredibly proud of all our
volunteers. Without their dedication and commitment, hundreds of
people would have missed out on vital first aid treatment and
support this year.
'At St John Ambulance, we are always prepared for a large amount
of casualties at such a high profile event, and the strong team of
experienced and dedicated individuals who gave up their time last
night, certainly did a very good job.’