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 St. John Ambulance, Cork City, worked under the control of the Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide first aid and ambulance cover for the Cork City Marathon on the 2nd of June, 2008. Our members, who are all unpaid volunteers, covered from mile one to five, and from mile thirteen to sixteen.
St. John Ambulance, Cork City, had three state of the art Crusader ambulances, a mini bus, a car, and cycle responders operational. A fourth ambulance was supplied by the Castleknock Division. We also had cardiac first response foot patrols operating along the course. Our members redeployed when the last of the runners passed our designated positions. We were joined on the day by our sister organisations, the Order of Malta, the Irish Red Cross and the Civil Defence. While each organisation had unique communication channels, the controller of each operated from a designated medical control centre under the command of the Health Service Executive. A field hospital was established near the finish line on Academy Street. This consisted of three St. John Ambulance tents. Our sister organisations provided some members to compliment our staff who were helping run this facility. Our objectives for the day were: Provision of first aid cover for participants and observers. Provision of basic life support response within 4 minutes of any incident in our coverage area. Activation of advanced life support as soon as a critical event occurs. Such events include cardiac arrest, breathing difficulty etc. Provision of ambulance response and transport services on request of HSE command. Assistance and co-operation with the Order of Malta, Irish Red Cross, Civil Defence, HSE, race organisers and Gardai.
The following were our patient protocols: Absolutely all cases to be recorded on HSE approved Patient Report Forms. No blue lights or sirens except for medical emergencies or emergency call outs. No movement of casualties off scene without prior consent of HSE command. Minor cases treated on scene. Major cases or any unknowns communicated immediately to HSE command facilitating dispatch of key resources.
 Overall, everyone concerned was happy that more than adequate first aid and ambulance cover was provided. Having separate controllers directly collaborating with the HSE command allowed for a rapid and appropriate response to all emergencies, while respecting the autonomy of the individual voluntary services.
St. John Ambulance, Cork City, would like to thank all our members for helping out on the day. We would also like to especially thank the Castleknock Division and other members from Dublin for travelling down to help. As usual, we enjoyed excellent co-operation from our sister organisations and from the HSE. It once again shows the excellent service that we can provide by mutual co-operation and highlights the need for voluntary organisations, without which, such events could not take place. We hope that the participants, spectators and the stewards enjoyed this wonderful event. It is a credit to all those who work at the Cork City Marathon office. The event was won by Roy Fahy with a time of 2:33:55. The first woman home was Lucy Brennan with a time of 2:54:00. Over eight thousand runners took part in this years race. Useful Links:
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