British Red Cross Volunteers
At the Burghley Horse Trials, the first part of cycle response units (CRUs) are being rolled out, as part of Land Rover's three year Reaching Vulnerable People Around the World' global initiative.
The bikes will be rolled out across the UK from September 2011, as part of a new nationwide fleet of 26 cycles for the British Red Cross, helping to strengthen the emergency response capabilities of the Red Cross.
Laura Schwab, Marketing Director of Land Rover UK said; "From the 60 vehicles donated to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in 2008, 30 stayed in the UK and were installed with defibrillators. Now these cycle response units are able to work with those donated all-terrain vehicles, as a mobile medical unit, especially in areas where access is limited."
"We are so pleased to be able to contribute to the crucial work of the British Red Cross."
The 26 bikes are developed with 2x2, Land Rover's bicycle manufacturer and will be used in pairs. They are custom built and fully equipped for life saving responsibilities. British Red Cross first aiders will use the 13 pairs of CRUs to navigate urban and crowded areas in order to reach people faster in times of emergency.
Every CRU will be equipped with a defibrillator, advanced first aid kit and resuscitation equipment.
Simon Lewis, Head of UK Emergency Planning & Response for the British Red Cross, said; "The cycle response units, provided by Land Rover, are an extremely useful addition to the British Red Cross emergency response capability."
"Emergencies requiring our support do not conform to geographic boundaries or particular terrain - they happen anywhere. The cycles will enable us to reach people at risk, even more quickly, in a variety of challenging and life-threatening situations. This could be vital in the first crucial moments after a cardiac arrest, when swift life-saving treatment can make all the difference."
