Ready to support carnival
Over 600 first aid volunteers are poised
and at the ready to provide medical assistance
where needed, when needed, at the spectacular Notting Hill Carnival
this Bank Holiday Weekend (Sunday 30th and Monday 31st August).
St John Ambulance has been working hard to provide sufficient
volunteers, and support units are in place to ensure the
safety of the two million visitors expected to attend the
Carnival.
The nation’s leading first aid charity will work alongside the
London Ambulance Service throughout the weekend to keep a
state-of-the-art control room up and running. The
control room, the hub of the organisation’s weekend activities,
will ensure the swift and efficient response of
all units in dealing with any injury or eventuality.
We have provided a totally professional service since the Carnival first began in 1966 and we are confident that we can provide the best possible first aid care and medical assistance possible, ensuring the safety of the many carnival-goers.
Ann Cable
Commissioner, St John Ambulance London
What we will provide
In 2008 St John Ambulance treated more than 500 people over the
course of the two day carnival, taking over 70 to hospital and this
year is expected to be little different. St John Ambulance will be
deploying:
- doctors
- nurses
- medical professionals
- motorbike and cycle responders
- 11 treatment centres strategically positioned along the
Carnival route
- nearly 40 ambulances.
The organisation will also work closely with the London
Ambulance Service to provide joint cycle response units and 20
Forward Incident Teams (FIT) who are specially trained to
work in large crowds.
Ann Cable, Commissioner of St John Ambulance in London, said:
‘Each year we work closely with London Ambulance Service colleagues
and with staff from the hospitals to provide a comprehensive
service at this worldwide renowned Carnival.
‘We have provided a totally professional
service since the Carnival first began in 1966 and we are
confident that we can provide the best possible first aid care and
medical assistance possible, ensuring the safety of the many
carnival-goers.’
Tips for visitors
In preparation for the occasion, the charity has issued the
following advice:
- Prepare for high temperatures by using plenty of sun cream and
wearing a hat
- Take advantage drinking water available
- Take a couple of light layers of clothing in case of poor
weather
- Remember flip-flops are no protection against broken glass and
the debris that will be on the streets
- Ensure you have a form of contact. The streets become
incredibly busy, so maintain contact with your friends and family
by making sure you have exchanged mobile phone numbers. And know
your exit routes when tiredness does eventually overtake you!