Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 2014

9 July 2014

Over 10,000 cyclists took part in the annual Ring of Kerry charity cycle on Saturday 5thJuly, among them Taoiseach Enda Kenny. The 112 mile gruelling but spectacular cycle across to Caherciveen and back to Killarney is the country’s largest one-day charity event. Now in its 31st year it has raised almost €7 million for local charities.

Civil Defence co-ordinates the medical provision on the day of the event. Planning for the event commenced in February consisting of meetings with the other stakeholders, Red Cross and Order of Malta.

Resources provided on the day included, 18 Ambulances (4 Civil Defence, 8 Red Cross, 5 Order of Malta and 1 HSE), 4 4WD Jeeps, 22 Doctors, 64 Voluntary Emergency Services, 82 Charities Medical Volunteers. Three Medical Centres were operational from 6am until 8pm and were staffed by Doctors, Nurses and supported by two ambulances with crews. There were 10 first aid posts strategically placed on the Ring of Kerry and these were operated by the medical volunteers from the charities who were to benefit from this event. Civil Defence had an ambulance departing Killarney every 15 minutes with an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Doctor on board.

Civil Defence was responsible for communications for the medical provision on the day through Paul Baynham, Operations Commander from Kerry Civil Defence. The Tetra Communication System was used extensively for the Ambulances, Jeeps and Medical Centres. A total of 27 handheld radios were utilised with two base stations and the use of the Inter-Agency Emergency Control Unit Van. The First Aid Posts used the more conventional method of VHF for communications. A new Ambulance control System called Ladybridge System was used and worked very well, especially after the event with the print-out of reports. A total of 8 casualties were transported to Kerry General Hospital.

Click HERE for photographs of Ring of Kerry 2014

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