Marathon treatment figures

First aid volunteers treating an injured runner

St John Ambulance volunteers gave first aid to 6515 runners at this year’s Virgin London Marathon, a slight increase on last year’s 6038.

Humid conditions

Ann Cable, Commissioner of St John Ambulance in London, who is in charge of the first aid service at the marathon, said: 'Our volunteers treated just over 6500 runners this year. This number is slightly up from last year probably because of the humid weather which can account for more cramp, blisters and general exhaustion.'

We're so grateful to all our runners for going to such lengths to raise vital funds for us

Gemma Marshall
Events Fundraiser, St John Ambulance
Just over 170 spectators needed treatment and altogether 47 people required hospitalisation.

A streamlined operation

St John Ambulance has been looking after first aid at the marathon since it began 30 years ago. This is just one of the events up and down the country where St John Ambulance makes the difference between lives saved and lives lost.

The charity had the following available on the day:

  • 1400 medical, nursing and first aid volunteers
  • 50 specialist crewed ambulances
  • 30 cycle response units (first aiders on bicycles who can weave in and out of crowds easily)
  • 2000 plasters for blisters or grazes
  • 400 ice packs for sprains
  • 1500 rehydration sachets for dehydration.

Life saving guide

St John Ambulance has recently launched a new hard-hitting campaign to encourage more people to learn first aid. Volunteers on the day gave out 20,000 free pocket-sized first aid guides for spectators to take away. The guides help in five common life-threatening situations that we could all face every day (choking, bleeding, heart attack, unconscious person who is breathing and one who is not breathing). The guides will equip people with the knowledge to be the difference between a life lost and life saved and can also be requested via the website.

Gratitude to runners

St John Ambulance had 200 committed people who ran all 26 miles of the marathon to raise money for St John Ambulance's life saving work.

Gemma Marshall, Events Fundraiser at St John Ambulance, said: 'We're so grateful to all our runners for going to such lengths to raise vital funds for us.

'If they have inspired you to take on an activity then visit the events section of our website to find the perfect challenge for you!’