Cycle paramedics to bolster Liberation Day cover

Paramedics on bikes will be deployed in St Peter Port as part of the ambulance services cover for this year's Liberation Day celebrations, Ambulance and Rescue Guernsey has said.

The service said it would be easier for two paramedics to negotiate crowds and deliver urgent treatment during the busy event on 9 May.

It said the bikes, which belong to the Cycle Response Unit, were specially designed to carry essential medical equipment.

Head of operations Dean De La Mare said the cycle paramedics would give "greater flexibility as part of the overall medical cover for Liberation Day".

He said: "While we hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable day, we do need to be prepared for the possibility of someone becoming unwell or getting injured, so the cycle paramedics will be an important addition to our event plans."

The service said it would have volunteer teams on duty to provide first aid for minor injuries and support for other medical incidents.

The total number of ambulance crews on duty on 9 May would also be increased, it added.

Mr De La Mare said: "Although a lot of the focus will be on St Peter Port it is important that we continue to maintain cover for the rest of the island, with the ability to respond to the types of urgent and emergency cases that occur on a daily basis."

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