EPI #92

[Richard Negus]

I've just received my copy and, as usual, it makes interesting reading. John W's photo of two 'Paramedic' Commanders brought back a few memories.The prototype was developed at the request of a West Midlands Ambulance paramedic who was also a motorcyclist. He persuaded his boss, Barry Johns, that a motorcycle-riding paramedic could give much shorter response times in city traffic than a normal ambulance. The machine carried an oxygen cylinder, the usual paramedic's 'panic bags' and a small defibrillator for jump-starting heart attack victims.The trial was so successful that several more were ordered by West Midlands and two (I think) by London Ambulance Service. These were based at the Waterloo depot specifically to respond to emergencies in the City.The two photographed each have the optional 100 watt 'wailer' siren ; very loud, very effective - but very heavy. The projector (by the r/h side of the radiator) has a cone made from a 50p stainless dog bowl, bought from Wilko's in Lichfield.The original paramedic was later involved in a serious accident whilst slowly crossing a dual carriageway ; blue lights on, siren wailing, and a dozy car driver still took the front off the bike and put the rider in hospital for weeks and off work for many months.That accident was probably the reason that bikes were phased out and rapid-response cars introduced.R

[Dell Boy]

I seem to remember that a similar fate befell a London paramedic & that unfortunately he died though this is hearsay. I was also told they could not get enough volunteer paramedics to ride the bikes. Derek.

[Richard Negus]

After Norton & West Midlands pioneered the idea, I believe that Honda UK produced a paramedic Pan European and London preferred that to the Commander.In the time before satellite links for television news, both BBC and Sky had Commanders for delivering video back to the studio.R.

[Dell Boy]

I saw the B.B.C. bike in London once. It was well "used" even scruffier & hammered than my own bikes. I wonder what happened to it. Anyone know. Derek.