This event marked the first appearance of the club’s brand new motorsport rescue vehicle and ambulance following which it will go on active duty after its official commissioning.
Dr Paul Trafford, Chair of Motorsport UK’s Medical Committee and the UK representative on the FIA Medical Commission had been invited along to inspect the vehicle and formally ‘cut the ribbon’ ahead of the new vehicle’s induction into service. Many current club members were also in attendance including some founder members!
Hard to believe that the club was founded over 50 years ago in 1973 as a Marshals’ club with the original members actually self-building their first ambulance in 1975. However, such is the nature of the rescue business and the advancement in medical procedures and the equipment being used that ambulances and the equipment they carry need to be changed and upgraded in an ongoing process.
Far from being self-built, this latest vehicle started life as a white van, a long wheelbase MB Sprinter, which was then professionally converted into an ambulance by the Vanconvert firm based in Kilmarnock. Vanconvert were an obvious choice as they are already held in high regard by mountain rescue teams around Scotland who use their specialised services.
The downside of all this is that despite the effort and expense, there is always a sincere and genuine hope that the club’s services will not be needed at the events which they attend. On the other hand, past experience has proved that this ‘hope’ has often been replaced by a sudden ‘call to action’. Relief has been given, injuries treated and lives saved thanks to SMMC.
Next time you see a collecting can, give generously. Their dedication should be an inspiration to us all.
