On the road

10:56am Thursday 17th April 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

FIRST aiders are on the road - and off-road - in their new Land Rover ambulance.

Dr Isobel Smart, who is president of the Dorset branch of the Red Cross, and vice-president Sally Weld cut a ribbon on the new vehicle after four years of fundraising.

The specially adapted Land Rover will enable the organisation's ambulance crews to travel off-road to reach casualties with greater ease.

It was unveiled at a Red Cross volunteer forum at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton.

Donors and volunteer fundraisers raised £100,000 to buy a Renault road ambulance in 2007 as well as the latest vehicle.

The off-road ambulances are also used when trained Red Cross volunteers lend support to the emergency services during major incidents or in severe weather conditions.

The charity provides first aid cover at more than 120 events each year and treats hundreds of casualties.

Both ambulances will be used at public events ranging from village fairs to major music festivals.

Emma Marshall, who co-ordinates the Red Cross' first aid cover at public events, said: "On some occasions we have had to take equipment and carry it to casualties over very poor ground: The new vehicle will allow us to get much closer.

"We're already getting new bookings because of this.

"Last year we used our new Renault ambulance at the Brownsea Island scouting celebration and at the Summer Breeze' concerts, and the 4x4 will be a great help at events this summer."