Paramedics get on their bikes to treat injured in big crowds

THEY are most commonly seen powering through the streets in hulking vehicles with flashing blue lights.

But under a new scheme being launched in Edinburgh and the Lothians, paramedics will be weaving in and out crowds by specialist bicycle.

The bikes will become a regular feature at all large-scale spectacles, including the festival but will not act as a replacement for traditional vehicles.

The objective is to allow paramedics ease of access among big crowds to carry out basic treatments. The initiative was officially launched at this year's Royal Highland Games at Ingliston.

Bosses said the two bikes – which have been fully kitted out in bright ambulance colours and logos – would give them an additional resource to respond to a variety of incidents.

Head of the ambulance service in the Lothians John Alexander said: "We will be seeing these at all sorts of events which involve large numbers of people.

"Marathons and fun runs is an example, and during the Festival we'll be with them in town to deal with any incidents.

"Also, if there are any significant road works which means ambulances or motorbikes can't get access, they may be there too."

It is unlikely the cycles will be on hand at sporting events or concerts, where emergency response will be left to more heavy duty vehicles.

Nor will the bikes be "on patrol" waiting to respond to incidents. Instead they will be pre-planned to attend events well in advance.

The bike's packs, or panniers, which contain far more than they appear to, on first sight, are equipped with all basic tools needed for basic emergency response, including mini defibrillators for heart attack victims.

If a patient needs to be taken to hospital an ambulance should typically be nearby, chiefs said, given the types of events the bikes will be covering.

"It's about getting to people quicker in situations where we otherwise couldn't," Mr Alexander said.

"Motorcycles are pretty good at getting into awkward places and through large crowds, but even for things like getting onto a cycle track these will be good. The Royal Highland show was a good place to launch these bikes because it's simply wall to wall people."

The mountain bikes are similar to ones occasionally used by Lothian and Borders police for the same purpose, and indicates a further branching out of the ambulance service. There are no plans to fit the bikes with flashing lights or sirens. Mr Alexander added: "I think the only siren will be the paramedic's voice."