Motorcycle first aid

Hard working volunteers in Merseyside were on hand for first aid support at the final round of the Aintree Motorcycle Racing Club 'Ace of Aintree' competition in Liverpool recently.

Ambulance teams aged between 18 and 55 provided first aid support 19 times throughout the event. The medical team on duty and fast response vehicle were deployed four times, with two patients being transferred directly to hospital following trackside assessment.

Both were treated as suspected spinal injuries following unconsciousness. One also sustained leg injuries, however, thankfully, both injured riders were not seriously hurt.

Five ambulances, one fast response vehicle, four doctors, a medical centre and numerous first aiders provided cover to the racers hurtling around the track.

Simon Galley, Commissioner Operations said: 'Over the years, many riders have benefited from the support that St John Ambulance Merseyside give to the Aintree motorcycle racing club. Our highly trained emergency transport crews, doctors and support staff have dealt with some serious injuries here in the past.

'This year we were ready and able to respond to anything and everything they could throw at us and thankfully, none were too serious. We enjoy being at the evenrt, but enjoy it even more when everyone goes home safely.'

As well as the World famous Grand National races and several other meetings during the year the course also has a motor sport race track, built inside the famous national course and fences.