The Flora London Marathon 2008
St John Ambulance will yet again help
everyone enjoy the Flora London Marathon, by caring for thousands
of runners along the route need first aid. Over 1,400 volunteers
will give up their time, come rain or shine, to help runners get
safely to the finish line.
Every year, around one in six runners stop for first aid support
from a St John Ambulance volunteer. The most common injuries are
blisters, cramp and dehydration and the vast majority of people
treated are able to enjoy the rest of the race and cross the
finishing line with pride.
Dedicated volunteers know what to expect on the day; they have
been looking after runners since the marathon started in
1981.
Just wanted to send a big thank you to your team at the marathon for looking after me after I collapsed at the finish line. Unfortunately I didn't get anyone's name as I wasn't in the greatest condition to remember my own half the time. However I do remember how kind, helpful and caring the people were who helped me and I'm very grateful for all your help.
David MacDonald
2007 marathon runner
Doctors, first aiders, nurses and other healthcare professionals
will all be available and the sheer number of volunteers means that
there will be one for every 35 metres of the course. Volunteers
come from all over London and as far away as Devon and Northern
Ireland to give their time, energy and skills to this remarkable
event.
There will also be four dedicated first aid units run by 300
young people. St John Ambulance Cadets from the age of 12 will be
handing out petroleum jelly for runners to relieve rubbing and
youngsters from 16 upwards will be carrying out basic first aid
supervised by adults. The charity believes that no one should
suffer for a lack of trained first aiders and is keen to give young
people responsibility and show the importance of learning first
aid.
Ann Cable, Commissioner of St John Ambulance in London, who will
be managing the marathon first aid on the day, said: ‘Our 1,400
volunteers will be there for anyone who needs us – spectators or
runners. The marathon is a spectacular day and we will be helping
everyone enjoy the fun.’
St John Ambulance provide 50 ambulances, 59 treatment centres,
2,000 plasters, 200 bottles of baby oil and 250 tubs of petroleum
jelly on the day. In addition 8 first aiders on bikes, known as
cycle responders, will be able to reach those who have fallen ill
who may not be reached easily by ambulance.