As part of Land Rover's three year global initiative of 'Reaching Vulnerable People Around the World', the first pair of cycle response units (CRUs) are being rolled out at one of the world's biggest equestrian events, the Burghley Horse Trials.
This September will see the bikes rolled out right across the UK, as part of a vital new nationwide fleet of 26 cycles for the British Red Cross. They will help strengthen the ability of the Red Cross to respond to emergencies and people in need of assistance.
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."
Developed with 2x2, Land Rover’s bicycle manufacturer, the 26 bikes (which will work in pairs) have been custom built and will be fully equipped to save lives. British Red Cross first aiders will be geared up for emergencies and the 13 pairs of CRUs will be able to effectively navigate urban and crowded areas, reaching people faster in times of emergency with life-saving care.
Each CRU is fully equipped with a defibrillator, advanced first aid kit and resuscitation equipment, enabling first-aiders to respond to incidents swiftly.
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.”
The collaboration between Land Rover UK and the British Red Cross is part of the major global partnership between Land Rover and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), announced in August 2010. It involves Land Rover supporting National Red Cross Societies in 15 countries, with each country adopting a priority programme. |
