In the Service Park at the Border Access Knockhill Rally Stages yesterday, amid the hustle and bustle and the evocative smells that motorsport always generates, you could also find a few more rescue crew and medics than you would usually find at a rally.
Dr Paul Trafford, Chair of Motorsport UK’s Medical Committee and the UK representative on the FIA Medical Commission, was present to officially "launch" SMMC’s new Motorsport Rescue Ambulance during the lunch break at the Rally taking place at Knockhill Racing Circuit, Scotland's National Motorsport Centre.
Brandishing the Holmatro hydraulic Mini Cutters to cut the ribbon, Traff spoke of the vital role that Rescue Units and crews play in motorsport safety and commended the Club’s commitment to safety, rescue and medical provision in motorsport.
We were delighted that Jillian Shedden, Knockhill’s Managing Director, and Stuart Gray, Director of Events, were able to join us too. We are incredibly appreciative of their continued support of the Club.
Dr Ben Shippey, SMMC’s Medical Adviser, was there along with current and former members of the Rescue Team, and many of the doctors and paramedics that we often work with on events. It was great to see so many other members of the Club at the launch – marshals, radio marshals, senior officials and competitors.
And of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Rescue Unit without cake. And what a cake it was! 3D Cakes in Edinburgh did us proud with an amazing cake model of the new vehicle. The cake was cut by Garry Headridge, Chair of SMMC, and Andrew Main, one of the very first members of the Club. Andrew held a Rescue licence for many years and has been involved in the commissioning of all our Rescue Units to date. Andrew was recently recognised by Motorsport UK for his length of service to motorsport.
Scottish Motorsport Marshals Club prides itself on the provision of a high-quality service to improve the safety of competitors, officials and spectators. We have had safety at the forefront of all our activities since the Club was formed in 1973.
Our Motorsport Rescue and Medical Group covers all types of licensed motorsport events but are mostly involved in circuit racing, stage rallies and hill climbs. They are a team of specialist volunteers providing immediate extrication and medical facilities at the scene of an incident. In a typical year, we provide safety and emergency services to around 90 events.
SMMC started to offer Rescue Units to event organisers in 1975. Over the years the Rescue fleet has grown from a single second-hand (sometimes borrowed) van to three modern long-wheelbase vans. In the early days, our Rescue vehicles carried little more than a large first aid kit and rudimentary tools. Those days are long gone and the vehicles we currently operate carry modern medical and extrication equipment, similar to that carried by ambulances and fire appliances.
In October 2024, we purchased a Mercedes Sprinter 5-tonne long-wheelbase high roof panel van to convert as our next Motorsport Rescue Ambulance – the 14th such vehicle in 50 years. This vehicle replaces our oldest Rescue Unit, which was purchased in 2007.
We partnered with VanConvert Ltd in Kilmarnock, who have a wealth of experience of building Mountain Rescue Command Vehicles. Taking just 9 weeks, the white van was converted from an empty shell into a cutting-edge, specialised Motorsport Rescue Ambulance and was delivered to the Club on Christmas Eve.
The new Rescue Ambulance represents a £75,000 investment by SMMC.
The vehicle carries a range of technical rescue equipment and is also equipped with a wide variety of medical kit for pre-hospital emergency care – all designed to allow the Rescue crew and medic to get a competitor out of the car quickly and safely and to provide enhanced care to an advanced life support level.
The Crew cab is capable of carrying five crew, plus a doctor or paramedic. From a sustainability perspective, LED lights, both inside and outside the vehicle, minimise power consumption. The vehicle also harnesses solar energy to reduce reliance on conventional fuels and minimises our environmental impact. Solar panels positioned on the roof are designed for optimal sunlight absorption, ensuring a continuous conversion of sunlight into electrical energy for the lighting and medical equipment.
We are very grateful and thankful for the continued support from the British Motorsport Trust in helping us to provide a high-quality service to improve the safety of competitors, officials and spectators.
We are very excited about our new Rescue Ambulance, and you’ll see it out and about at many events this year.
We are always seeking new volunteers to join our Rescue and Medical Group. Email rescue@smmc.org.uk if you want to find out more. We will be pleased to chat and tell you more about what we do.
