The 9th July 2015 saw the laying to rest of Doctor John Hinds, after his fatal accident at the Skerries 100 practice session while providing medical cover.
For those from the world of motorcycling and motorcycle racing in Ireland no introduction is needed to “Doc John” and his colleague Dr Fred McSorley as the “flying doctors” of Irish road racing and the Medical Team of the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre).
Since his tragic death many many fitting and emotional tributes have been made to “Doc John” with his funeral cortege escorted by hundreds of bikers via the Tandragee 100 Road Racing Circuit to the family home at Portaferry, where the funeral will take place from today.
Better people than ourselves have, as we said, written tributes to the life and the work of “Doc John”, so we have no long tribute to give but we can point you to tribute pages set up in the memory of “Doc John”.
To pages that are seeking to continue a legacy to the believe that “Doc John” to deliver a HEMS – Helicopter Emergency Medical Service – (Air Ambulance) for Northern Ireland and a petition to the Northern Ireland Ministry of Health The Northern Ireland Assembly pushing ahead with Dr John Hinds campaign to get an Air Ambulance off the ground for Northern Ireland.
In these dark moments for motorcycle racing please view the video below, which is a presentation by the man himself about the life saving work that he and his colleagues undertake at road races.
The video is enlightening to the work in a “pre hospital environment” of “a well drilled team” how “a well functioning pre hospital team can change lives”.
Definitely with a sense of “humour” the video is as “entertaining” as it is serious, showing what is required to undertake this dedicated and necessary life saving work, all making his loss for his family, friends, close circle and motorcycle racing the greatest tragedy!
For us at Right To Ride with the issues we look at for road going motorcycle safety, this video in our opinion is a must for the road going rider to watch, to take in how this transfers to riding on the road, appreciate and to reflect on the whole riding environment that you place yourself in.
Simply thanks “Doc John” for your dedication and life!
Information & Links
A documentary on the work of Dr John Hinds – John Hinds and the Air Ambulance
In memory of Doctor John Hinds – On Facebook
#HEMS4NI – Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for Northern Ireland – On Facebook
Petition for Air Ambulance N.I. – Click Here
MCI Medical Team – On Facebook
Doctor John Hinds – RIP – Fastest Road Racing Doctor
Doctor John Hinds – RIP – More Cases From The Races
Air Ambulance officially takes to the air in Northern Ireland
Emergency paramedics will be able to reach any part of Northern Ireland within 25 minutes as the region now has its own air ambulance service.
The Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) is based at the Maze/Long Kesh near Lisburn and Wednesday’s official launch marks the culmination of a 12-year campaign backed by the public and driven by key individuals throughout that period.
This new doctor/paramedic led service will be of most benefit to those whose lives are at serious risk following significant injury or trauma.
The operational and clinical aspects of the service will be delivered by NIAS. AANI will be responsible for raising £2m annually to sustain the helicopter operations that the charity has contracted from Babcock MCS Onshore.
The HEMS service brings with it the advantages of rapid transportation to scene, rapid advanced medical intervention at scene and rapid transport to the most appropriate hospital.
The Air Ambulance has already attended a number of incidents during preparatory and training periods over the last few weeks.
NIAS Chief Executive Shane Devlin, paid tribute to all involved in the delivery of pre-hospital care in NI, saying: “Since taking up post as NIAS Chief Executive, I have been astounded at the work carried out by our Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians on the frontline, supported by staff in Ambulance Control and within other functions of NIAS.
“Their clinical skills are of the highest quality and I know that, on a daily basis, NIAS is saving lives.”
The introduction of HEMS to our response model is a really positive advance in pre-hospital care throughout the region.
– NIAS Chief Executive Shane Devlin
“The advanced medical interventions which can be delivered by our Doctors and Paramedics in the HEMS team at incidents, where life may be ebbing away, will further improve survival rates and help to ensure better patient outcomes,” Mr Devlin continued.
“I am delighted that the service is operational and I look forward to working with all who have an interest in HEMS to ensure that, going forward, we further improve the service for the benefit of patients.”
Speaking on behalf of AANI, Chief Executive Patrick Minne said: “As the service becomes operational, the Air Ambulance NI family can reflect on the immense support received already from individuals, community groups, sports clubs and businesses from every corner of Northern Ireland.
“Their fundraising efforts have been vital in helping the charity advance toward the £2m a year target it needs to raise to make the service sustainable.
“Efforts by some of the charity’s trustees to secure an airborne service date back to 2005. It’s been a long campaign, but we’re delighted that Northern Ireland is no longer the only part of the UK without this life-saving service. We and our partners remain passionately committed to repaying fundraisers’ trust by providing the sustainable and world-class helicopter emergency service we promised.”
Original Source – ITV News
Air Ambulance Northern Ireland
Air Ambulance Northern Ireland are delighted that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced the provision of £4m in LIBOR fines to help establish the first Air Ambulance Service for Northern Ireland. This is a very welcome step to bring this lifesaving service to Northern Ireland.
Air Ambulance Northern Ireland will save lives and complement the existing Ambulance provision.
There are thirty two air ambulances throughout England, Scotland and Wales however Northern Ireland with a population of 1.85 million and 5463 sq miles of land mass is at this moment without an HEMS (helicopter emergency medical service). The Trustess have been working on the intoduction of an Air Ambulance since 2013 and in May 2014, with the support of Minister Arlene Foster, presented a proposal for an Air Ambulance for Northern Ireland.
The public support has been overwhelming since the NW200 this year (2015) where a rider and spectator were seriously injured following a near fatal accident were air lifted by the Southern Ireland Coast Guard and taken to the RVH Belfast for specialist treatment. This accident was attended by Dr John Hinds a support Medic at the event who sadly on the 4th July 2015 was fatally injured working as a race medic at the Skerries 100 Road Race in Dublin. Dr John was a huge advocate for the introduction of an Air Ambulance in the Provence.
http://www.airambulanceni.org