International Paramedics Day is observed annually on 8th July to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of professionals who work selflessly to respond to emergencies and administer life-saving treatments during times of crisis.

This date is the anniversary of the birth of Dominique-Jean Larrey, the man often referred to as the ‘father of modern-day ambulance services’.

During his career, Larrey helped treat and save hundreds of lives on the battlefields during Napoleonic times. But it’s his introduction of the first purpose-built ambulances and creation of the triage system which have undoubtedly proved to be his most significant legacy.

We are exceptionally appreciative of all our volunteer marshals and officials but today we want to celebrate and support our paramedics.

We are well supported by our Motorsport Medical Group, our Clinical Advisory Team, and the paramedics and doctors who turn out to so many events throughout the year. All our paramedics have frontline NHS experience and volunteer with Scottish Motorsport Marshals Club to provide a high-quality service to improve the safety of competitors, officials and spectators.

Medical intervention at the earliest possible opportunity allows a patient the best possible chance of a full recovery. Our medics know what to do to help and they do it quickly and competently with care and compassion. They deal with things that most people will never see or experience (or indeed want to!), sometimes having to make profoundly difficult decisions that most folk would be glad to shy away from making. We are extremely grateful to them all for the knowledge, skills and expertise that they bring to the motorsport environment.

We've featured three paramedics in social media posts today:

Toby is a Clinical Education Development Specialist with a background in providing clinical leadership and advice to UK emergency services supporting their clinical governance frameworks. He has spent over 20 years providing prehospital care in various roles including operations commander, police medic and paramedic. He is part of our Clinical Advisory Team and holds a motorsport rescue licence so is regularly out with our Rescue Team. He enjoys spending his spare time watching motorsport and providing paramedic cover at motorsport events.

Claire is a Special Operations Response Team Manager, working in challenging and high-risk environments, including multi- casualty incidents, HAZMAT, CBRN, MTA, water incidents, working at heights and confined space. She is also part of our Clinical Advisory Team. She shares a passion for motorsport with her two children and enjoys providing medical cover at Knockhill as a Motorsport UK registered Paramedic.

Matt is a senior manager in the Ambulance Service. He says, "My love of motorsport and my professional clinical role come together when volunteering as a Motorsport UK paramedic. Whether it is delivering clinical training, or being 'trackside' as part of a medical team, being a paramedic has allowed me to get up close and personal with some great motorsport action. Although finding the time to fit it all in alongside my 'day job' can be a challenge, the rewards have been worth it. I've worked alongside some great people and have got closer to the racing action than most people would. As a lifelong motorsport fan, I can't think of a better way to give something back to the sport!”

We're proud to support International Paramedics Day, and we thank all our paramedics and doctor for supporting SMMC and motorsport.

We’re not just close to the action... we’re PART of it!