Paramedics on bicycles will be a life-saving Fringe first

Published on Tuesday 11 August 2009 09:52

AMBULANCE crews are set to test fast-response paramedics on bicycles as they prepare for a rise of up to 10 per cent in emergency calls during the festival.

Scottish Ambulance Service chiefs have also brought in more support vehicles to deal with the estimated 300 extra calls during August.

Two bikes equipped with supply packs have been introduced to weave in and out of busy crowds. They will have mini defibrillators in case a patient requires treatment for a heart attack.

Peter Connor, head of service in Edinburgh, said: "During the festival there are always large numbers of people on the streets of the Capital and the bicycles will allow better access to patients – particularly in pedestrian areas and parts of the city centre where roadworks and large gatherings might restrict access for some of our other response vehicles.

"Because of the festival, August is one of the busiest months for us in Edinburgh and we have put in place additional measures to ensure we continue to respond quickly to those that need us most."

On average the service receives 3,400 calls from the Capital in a month, and officials have also brought in extra support vehicles to deal with the increase.

The Evening News reported earlier this year how the Scottish Ambulance Service was introducing bicycles at big events

The festival will be the first sustained test of the bikes, which will be ridden by paramedics, with the option of a nearby ambulance should a patient need transferring to hospital or specialist care.

Ambulance chiefs hope to keep average response time for a call to six minutes. Most of the calls are expected to be alcohol-related, as with an average weekend for ambulance staff in the Lothians.

It is understood accident and emergency staff will also be preparing for additional patients coming through the door.

The ERI's winter ward, which has remained open throughout this year long after it has traditionally ceased, is expected to be used both to deal with the extra capacity and ease bed blocking.