Cycle responders are fully trained to work on their own and
operate in busy areas which are difficult to travel through in a
car or ambulance. Staff on bikes can get through narrow streets,
pedestrian areas and shopping centres very easily. They are able to
reach patients quickly and start to give life-saving treatment
while an ambulance is on the way.
Our cycle responders have equipment designed to enable them to
respond to emergency calls: a custom-built bicycle, medical kit and
specialist clothing.
Custom-built bicycle
Cycle responders use custom-built Specialized Rockhopper
mountain bikes fitted with blue lights and a siren. The bikes are
lightweight and include a strengthened back wheel and stronger
spokes, puncture-proof tyres, lights, pannier bags and water
bottles.
Medical kit
Our cycle responders’ kit includes, among other things: a
defibrillator (used to re-start a patient’s heart if they go into
cardiac
arrest), oxygen, entonox (commonly known as gas and air), a
pulse monitor, a blood pressure monitor, adult and child bag and
mask resuscitators, adrenaline, aspirin, asthma and diabetes drugs,
bandages and dressings, rubber gloves, and cleanser.
Specialist clothing
Their specially-designed uniform includes: helmet, gloves,
glasses, reflective jacket/jerseys, trousers (shorts for warmer
weather), waterproofs, cycle shoes, base layers, padded
undershorts, skull cap, anti-pollution mask, protective body
armour, utility belt, a radio, and mobile phone with Bluetooth
headset.