Sarah Dixon, volunteer at Scotservs
OUR ethos at Scotservs is to help save lives and we work behind the scenes at the NHS to support patients near and far in all weather conditions. As an emergency rider volunteer, we are challenged to work in a fast paced, constantly changing environment dealing with all kinds of emergencies. We travel on emergency motorbikes and four by fours to reach patients across Scotland. Our work involves transporting equipment between hospital units, to labs or delivering life saving blood to be used before, during or after surgery.
Our team were tested to the limit during the extreme weather and we continued to travel despite the treacherous road conditions to ensure hospitals had blood supplies and other emergency equipment. We are there to support theatre staff, co-ordinate four by four drivers and help them if they need something unexpected and can’t go ahead with surgery.
Our specialists deal with something different and usually difficult every time. On a motorbike in these emergency situations, the mind works quickly and is always considering route hazards which makes us very aware of our roles. It’s vital to be aware of potential hazards and the weather which can have an instant impact on our journey.
The blood samples must be delivered as soon as possible and the weather must never change our work, only our transport. I always feel more visible on a bike and can have more patient interaction.
People need us and being aware that our care must always be provided is a huge responsibility. Some of the team have travelled all the way to Newcastle just to reach patients. We have great relationships within communities and work with children who need long-term support. It’s great to see patients who you haven't seen for years and hear they're doing well. It’s very rewarding and that’s why most of the volunteers are here. It’s often not until you get back and you have the time to reflect on the situation that you realise the difference you’ve made to someone’s life.
Scotservs relies on people donating their time. We have people in and out all day, who are giving up their time to help others which shows how strong this organisation is. We have a great sense of camaraderie and everyone dedicates their skills in a different way. At the moment, there are currently 43 active team members from all walks of life – doctors, midwives, the public sector and the military.
We don’t get a great deal of funding because of how small our charity is so we have to raise our own funds and find sponsors, and we are trying to raise £15,000 to help buy more vehicles.
If you would like to donate visit https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/scotservs4X4rescue
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