There to keep you running
St John Ambulance will be providing first
aid support – and large amounts of petroleum jelly – to runners at
this year’s Flora London Marathon. The charity has been supporting
the London Marathon ever since it began in 1981 and it is their
largest annual duty.
27th Marathon
Every year St John Ambulance volunteers from across the country
give their time, enthusiasm and skills to this astonishing event
and they will be marking the 27th year with the same commitment and
dedication.
The support from St John Ambulance was fantastic, from the advice and letters during the build up through to the crews who were at the race, wearing the shirt with your name on really made a difference, when they were cheering you on, it was as if they knew you and that kept you going.
Steve Cowan
Member of team St John 2005
At last year’s marathon over 1,400 St John Ambulance volunteers
were on hand to give first aid support and encouragement to
runners. That's one volunteer for every 35 metres of the
course.
There were also nearly 50 ambulances and 8 cycle responders at
the race to react to incidents swiftly and efficiently.
St John Ambulance pit stop
During this year’s marathon, approximately 5,500 runners will
stop at a St John Ambulance treatment centres. Fortunately the vast
majority of these will make it to the finishing line.
St John Ambulance expects to use a massive 100lbs of petroleum
jelly and 200 bottles of baby oil to treat runners.
Petroleum jelly is used on:
- Nipples, sore feet & armpits – helping to prevent chaffing
and blistering
- Eyebrows – helping to prevent sweat running into runners’
eyes.
Baby oil goes on:
- massages and rub downs to help runners who
suffer from cramp.