Blood bikes

Capri · 21-09-2014 8:51am #1

This new fleet of Blood bikes , are they part of the National Ambulance fleet, or who's in contol of them and what sort of training do they get ? And could they be used for organ transfer as well ?

Bang Bang · 21-09-2014 10:25am

Capri wrote: »

This new fleet of Blood bikes , are they part of the National Ambulance fleet, or who's in contol of them and what sort of training do they get ? And could they be used for organ transfer as well ?

They are separate groups of people operating in a voluntary capacity. They are not part of the National Ambulance Service and are not tied in with the national fleet. Contact is made between the hospital requiring the service and the volunteers on call at the time the request is made.

Blood1 · 21-09-2014 1:08pm

Capri wrote: »

This new fleet of Blood bikes , are they part of the National Ambulance fleet, or who's in contol of them and what sort of training do they get ? And could they be used for organ transfer as well ?

They are all volunteers of Blood Bikes which there is now 7 groups spread out across the country, they move Cat B substance, breast milk, and other items between Hospitals within the 26 counties for free.

The bikes are bought and owned by the individual Blood Group Charity, they get no funding from any Government agencies, they rely on fundraising & events to raise monies to keep the Charity going without the help of the public and Companies sponsoring goods etc this would not be possible.

Hope this answers your question.

Mycroft H · 21-09-2014 3:59pm

What sort of training do they get?

punisher5112 · 21-09-2014 8:14pm

ROSPA.

They are trainned and tested to highest of standards as they have bikes fitted with blue lights if needed.

Garda motorcyclist trainning would be at similar level to what they have to have.

It's an advanced riding course.

Are you looking to join ?

It is something I would liked to contribute my time too when have the money to get the training.

21-09-2014 8:36pm

There is a comprehensive thread on it here,

https://www.esforum.org/showthread.php?tid=6384

Should have most of the common questions and arguments there already.

Scatter Cat · 22-09-2014 10:21am

Impressive fleet. Check out the Blood Bike Leinster Facebook page.

Stheno · 22-09-2014 10:23am

Scatter Cat wrote: »

Impressive fleet. Check out the Blood Bike Leinster Facebook page.

Amazing service

Capri · 22-09-2014 10:34pm

punisher5112 wrote: »

ROSPA.

They are trainned and tested to highest of standards as they have bikes fitted with blue lights if needed.

Garda motorcyclist trainning would be at similar level to what they have to have.

It's an advanced riding course.

Are you looking to join ?

It is something I would liked to contribute my time too when have the money to get the training.

What I'm thinking more about is the growth of blue / white strobes on 'private' vehicles. I seem to remember doctors having some legal problems with using green strobes before, yet now 'private' volunteers can use blue lights , so the 'Urgent Blood delivery' cars/taxis will to get to use blue strobes ??
I also saw a 'cowboy' on his Gold Wing with white strobes coming up quickly behind cars pretending to be Garda/Ambulance bike. I can see it getting to a point where there'll be an accident caused by some driver thinking he has to move over for a fake 'Emergency vehicle' :mad:

Scatter Cat · 22-09-2014 10:39pm

It has to be insured as an emergency vechile. And their is a strict protocol for blue light usage among all voulenter groups of all kinds.
And no group wants a Walter Mitty ruining a great service for everybody.

CharlieCroker · 22-09-2014 10:42pm

Capri wrote: »

What I'm thinking more about is the growth of blue / white strobes on 'private' vehicles. I seem to remember doctors having some legal problems with using green strobes before, yet now 'private' volunteers can use blue lights , so the 'Urgent Blood delivery' cars/taxis will to get to use blue strobes ??
I also saw a 'cowboy' on his Gold Wing with white strobes coming up quickly behind cars pretending to be Garda/Ambulance bike. I can see it getting to a point where there'll be an accident caused by some driver thinking he has to move over for a fake 'Emergency vehicle' :mad:

I wouldn't consider blood bikes to be a "take" emergency service, but a voluntary one such as the order of Malta.

Spoke to one of the lads from blood bikes east when we fundraising, he said they don't really need the blue lights unless it's an emergency in which case they look for a garda escort

Bosh · 23-09-2014 8:36am

As they are engaged in the transportation of blood/organs they are permitted to have flashing blue lights & sirens fitted.

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2006/en/si/0342.html

But as they are not classed as an ambulance, riders do not have exemption under the Road Traffic Act, hence the requirement for a Garda escort at which point they do.

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2010/en/act/pub/0025/sec0087.html

HTH.

Schindlers Pissed · 23-09-2014 6:07pm

If they don't have any exemptions under the Road Traffic Act then what's the point of lights and sirens??

Scatter Cat · 23-09-2014 6:09pm

This is all old news and was discussed on ESF forum ages ago.

Del2005 · 23-09-2014 6:11pm

Schindlers Pissed wrote: »

If they don't have any exemptions under the Road Traffic Act then what's the point of lights and sirens??

So when they are being escorted by the Gardaì drivers might be aware of them and not pull out in front of them after the Garda vehicle has passed.

Scatter Cat · 23-09-2014 6:14pm

Schindlers Pissed wrote: »

If they don't have any exemptions under the Road Traffic Act then what's the point of lights and sirens??

You don't have to go over the speed limit for blues to help you progress.

Schindlers Pissed · 23-09-2014 6:24pm

That's true. So they basically force motorists to move over (which involves risk) and then they stop at a red light up the road.

Doesn't seem very logical to me.

flazio · 23-09-2014 6:36pm

Schindlers Pissed wrote: »

That's true. So they basically force motorists to move over (which involves risk) and then they stop at a red light up the road.

Doesn't seem very logical to me.

So what would you suggest? Remove the high viz lights and let them be delayed in traffic like the rest of us?

Schindlers Pissed · 23-09-2014 8:22pm

What's the alternative? Use lights to get through traffic and then have no exemptions under the RTA so they can't progress through lights anyway….? I'm not arguing here, I just don't see the point. Either it's one or the other.

Why have they lights to move through traffic if they have no exemptions? What's to stop me putting lights on my own bike to save time getting to work? Or anybody?

Del2005 · 23-09-2014 10:51pm

Schindlers Pissed wrote: »

That's true. So they basically force motorists to move over (which involves risk) and then they stop at a red light up the road.

Doesn't seem very logical to me.

They are on bikes so they don't need to force traffic out of the way. They have access to blues and sirens but I doubt they use them unless in convoy with Gardaí vehicles.

Scatter Cat · 23-09-2014 10:53pm

Did you know that you can travel from Dublin (Newlands) to Limerick without seeing traffic lights.

Mint Sauce · 23-09-2014 10:57pm

Seen one of the these bikes in Sligo a week or two ago, great service. Never knew they were voluntary.

Blood1 · 24-09-2014 12:48am

Looks like that thread has started up again on esf h**ps://w*w.esforum.org/showthread.php?tid=6384&page=15

Esel · 24-09-2014 1:07am

Scatter Cat wrote: »

Did you know that you can travel from Dublin (Newlands) to Limerick without seeing traffic lights.

And, your point is... what, exactly?

Is it that a person in Limerick (or Dublin, going the other way) who needs a blood transfusion asap gives a fcuk how the blood arrives, or how legal the transport is?

I just hope that in this scenario the blood gets there by the fastest possible available means, whether that is a taxi, helicopter, jet, motorcycle, train, plane, police car, private car (breaking a load of rules but not causing mayhem on the way...).

Someone lives on, OK?

flazio · 24-09-2014 1:32am

Scatter Cat wrote: »

Did you know that you can travel from Dublin (Newlands) to Limerick without seeing traffic lights.

Really? So how do they control the toll gates at Mountrath?

Esel · 24-09-2014 1:49am

flazio wrote: »

Really? So how do they control the toll gates at Mountrath?

No freeflow there? WTF..

Scatter Cat · 24-09-2014 10:08am

flazio wrote: »

Really? So how do they control the toll gates at Mountrath?

That's not a traffic light!

Capri · 24-09-2014 12:50pm

Bosh wrote: »

As they are engaged in the transportation of blood/organs they are permitted to have flashing blue lights & sirens fitted.

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2006/en/si/0342.html

But as they are not classed as an ambulance, riders do not have exemption under the Road Traffic Act, hence the requirement for a Garda escort at which point they do.

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2010/en/act/pub/0025/sec0087.html

HTH.

Well, you live and learn

So I presume taxis that carry blood / organs can use blues and twos now

The requirements of article 40 (in so far as it refers to articles 41, 42 48 and 49) and articles 41, 42, 48 and 49 (except sub-article 9) do not apply to a lamp complying with paragraph (b) which is carried on a vehicle being used -

(i) by a member of the Garda Síochána in the performance of his or her duties as such member,

(ii) as a fire brigade vehicle,

(iii) by persons providing an ambulance service,

(iv) by the Irish Prison Service,

(v) as an Irish Marine Emergency Service vehicle, with or without a trailer,

(vi) for the delivery or collection of human transplant organs human blood or human blood products,

And I'm wondering about these private limos with strobes, probably covered as well :rolleyes:

Blood1 · 24-09-2014 5:55pm

Capri wrote: »

Well, you live and learn So I presume taxis that carry blood / organs can use blues and twos now

And I'm wondering about these private limos with strobes, probably covered as well :rolleyes:

I dont think it would cover a privately owned vehicle, or they would get insurance cover either.

Hooch · 24-09-2014 10:54pm

Esel wrote: »

And, your point is... what, exactly?

Is it that a person in Limerick (or Dublin, going the other way) who needs a blood transfusion asap gives a fcuk how the blood arrives, or how legal the transport is?

I just hope that in this scenario the blood gets there by the fastest possible available means, whether that is a taxi, helicopter, jet, motorcycle, train, plane, police car, private car (breaking a load of rules but not causing mayhem on the way...).

Someone lives on, OK?

We do not condone any breaches of the Road Traffic Act on this forum.

Warning issued

Schindlers Pissed · 24-09-2014 10:58pm

Esel wrote: »

And, your point is... what, exactly?

Is it that a person in Limerick (or Dublin, going the other way) who needs a blood transfusion asap gives a fcuk how the blood arrives, or how legal the transport is?

I just hope that in this scenario the blood gets there by the fastest possible available means, whether that is a taxi, helicopter, jet, motorcycle, train, plane, police car, private car (breaking a load of rules but not causing mayhem on the way...).

Someone lives on, OK?

Breaking a load of rules but not causing mayhem? How do you suggest you do that?

24-09-2014 11:41pm

Blood1 wrote: »

Looks like that thread has started up again on esf h**ps://w*w.esforum.org/showthread.php?tid=6384&page=15

It has and it's an interesting one considering that Blood Bikes East are now trained in giving escorts.

https://www.esforum.org/showthread.php?tid=6384

Blood1 · 25-09-2014 1:26am

foreign wrote: »

It has and it's an interesting one considering that Blood Bikes East are now trained in giving escorts.

Interesting reading to say the least just wonder will they soon be doing the prison escorts as well, times are changing when volunteers who deliver blood are now doing the work of AGS as well, at least it seems to be confined to one group and not them all.

Esel · 25-09-2014 1:31am

Schindlers Pissed wrote: »

Breaking a load of rules but not causing mayhem? How do you suggest you do that?

Let me see: breaking the speed limit (without causing mayhem); stopping at a red light then proceeding through it if the carriageway is clear (without causing mayhem); crossing a continuous white line while safe to do so (no mayhem); riding on the footpath or in the hard shoulder as long as doing so did not cause mayhem; riding the wrong way up/down a one-way street if safe to do so (without causing mayhem).

I give blood btw, but I don't deliver it, or life-saving organs either. In a real life or death situation, I hope it is safe to assume that the delivery would be effected in the fastest possible manner by a qualified and certified driver (or pilot) who is exempt from prosecution under the RTA - unless they cause mayhem along the way.

After that, it is down to the skill of the doctor/surgeon.

Esel · 25-09-2014 1:33am

Blood1 wrote: »

Interesting reading to say the least just wonder will they soon be doing the prison escorts as well, times are changing when volunteers who deliver blood are now doing the work of AGS as well, at least it seems to be confined to one group and not them all.

One blood group is much rarer than the others.

Blood1 · 25-09-2014 1:52am

Ah sure maybe the guys using the blue lights missed their calling in life and are trying to make up for it now who knows, its defo a way of drawing attention to yourself as we can now see from both here and esf

flazio · 25-09-2014 7:22am

Would the bikes not be considered the same as any private/volunteer ambulance service? When the ambulance has urgent cargo (dying patient) blues are authorised, so if a hospital has a dying patient needing a blood / organ transfer then fair play to the bikes.

Schindlers Pissed · 25-09-2014 5:13pm

Esel wrote: »

Let me see: breaking the speed limit (without causing mayhem); stopping at a red light then proceeding through it if the carriageway is clear (without causing mayhem); crossing a continuous white line while safe to do so (no mayhem); riding on the footpath or in the hard shoulder as long as doing so did not cause mayhem; riding the wrong way up/down a one-way street if safe to do so (without causing mayhem).

I give blood btw, but I don't deliver it, or life-saving organs either. In a real life or death situation, I hope it is safe to assume that the delivery would be effected in the fastest possible manner by a qualified and certified driver (or pilot) who is exempt from prosecution under the RTA - unless they cause mayhem along the way.

After that, it is down to the skill of the doctor/surgeon.

But you see that's the point, they AREN'T exempt under the RTA. Hence my mayhem comment. And exempt or not, "riding on the footpath".......I can see that going down a treat with AGS alright.

They aren't exempt so why the need for blue lights? As said earlier they drive bikes so can cut through traffic, therefore there's no need for blue lights. Taxis carry blood products etc without blue lights, so why should these bikes have them?

As also stated earlier its in case of a Garda escort.......so why the need for blue lights then? An escort properly done has a bike/vehicle to the front and rear of the vehicle being escorted. No need for blue lights.

Scatter Cat · 25-09-2014 7:19pm

Look at the M50 or newlands every evening, a motorcycle can cut trough most of this. Blue lights can aid them by letting the drivers know they need to get trough. Blue lights give nobody the right to bully others off the road they are there to notify drivers that said vechile needs to progress and to give way if it's safe.

Schindlers Pissed · 25-09-2014 9:25pm

My point is this.........if they have no entitlement or exemptions under the RTA then why in hells name have they blues?? Surely they are illegal if that's the case.

And yes, I get the AGS escort point......and if the escort is done properly then they STILL don't need blues, do they?

Scatter Cat · 25-09-2014 9:27pm

If the speed limit is 120 and traffic is slower then blues aid progress! I don't see what's not to get!

Schindlers Pissed · 25-09-2014 9:51pm

Scatter Cat wrote: »

If the speed limit is 120 and traffic is slower then blues aid progress! I don't see what's not to get!

So what's to stop anybody putting blues on a bike to get through traffic on the way to work?

Scatter Cat · 25-09-2014 9:55pm

1 it's illegal unless there is a provision in law for you to have blues.
2 your vehicle will not be insured .

BaronVon · 25-09-2014 10:37pm

Schindlers Pissed wrote:

My point is this.........if they have no entitlement or exemptions under the RTA then why in hells name have they blues?? Surely they are illegal if that's the case.

They have a vehicle exemption under the RTA to have blue lights, just not a rider exemption to use them. Same as the Prison Service / Coast Guard etc

Schindlers Pissed · 26-09-2014 8:11am

Which validates my point then. Why do they have them? It's an extra expense to fit them even though the driver isn't allowed use them. It's ridiculous.

So if a rider uses them as was stated earlier to get through traffic then I would presume that's his actions are illegal?

ectoraige · 26-09-2014 10:06am

Schindlers Pissed wrote: »

Which validates my point then. Why do they have them? It's an extra expense to fit them even though the driver isn't allowed use them. It's ridiculous.

So if a rider uses them as was stated earlier to get through traffic then I would presume that's his actions are illegal?

It's because they are allowed to use them when they are under garda escort. While it's not necessary to have blue lights under escort, it certainly is safer for all concerned if the escorted vehicle does have them so that other road users who yielded to the escort don't pull-out again before the convoy has passed.

Private vehicles don't have a normal expectation that they may on occasion be driven under escort. Blood bikes do however, as do other vol/aux vehicles, so there is provision for lights to be fitted should the need to use them under escort arise.

26-09-2014 12:40pm

ectoraige wrote: »

While it's not necessary to have blue lights under escort, it certainly is safer for all concerned if the escorted vehicle does have them so that other road users who yielded to the escort don't pull-out again before the convoy has passed.

The army doing the prison escorts don't seem to have any need to have blues when they are under escort. Neither do private vehicles when being escorted by AGS.

Schindlers Pissed · 26-09-2014 12:51pm

It's a fetish for blue lights I think. The general public can't differentiate between actual ES and the Vols, I still can't see the point of blues when the rider has no exemptions........how many times a year would these bikes require an AGS escort? Really?

Surely if blood products or whatever was needed in that much of a hurry there would be a faster option rather than calling in a Vol member from home to drive to the pickup point and then do the transfer......would an on duty AGS bike not be the better option?

Once again, fair play to the blood bikes personell, I just don't see the practicality or legality of blue lights.

Scatter Cat · 26-09-2014 3:38pm

They are allowed to have them and the rider is allowed to use them in the right situation.

punisher5112 · 26-09-2014 9:39pm

I would give my right arm for a blue light right now..

Seriously more important things to be worried about such as the terrible standard of driving in the country and if they are carrying an item that is needed fast then I really can't understand the problem as there may be a life saved and that to me is more important then all the giving out about a vehcle equipped with such lights.

Blood1 · 26-09-2014 10:46pm

foreign wrote: »

The army doing the prison escorts don't seem to have any need to have blues when they are under escort. Neither do private vehicles when being escorted by AGS.

Thats because they have a bike on each end of the escort so why would they need one.

things hotting up on esf h**ps://***.esforum.org/showthread.php?tid=6384

Blood bikes

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