Raf Rescue
Supporting
Motorsports
Raf Rescue is a voluntary organisation that was established in 1982 and currently has 8 active members.
This organisation operates a licensed registered Motorsport Rescue Unit, which provides rescue and medical services for a wide range of events across the United Kingdom.
Motorsport Rescue Units are licensed by Motorsport UK (MSUK), the governing body for motorsport in the UK. MSUK specifies the minimum levels of rescue and medical equipment that licensed Rescue Units must carry.
They conduct regular inspections of Motorsport Rescue Units to ensure that standards are consistently maintained. Motorsport UK also carry out a three yearly assessment of each Rescue Unit and crew where they carry out a mock extraction of a casualty from a car using their equipment.
Raf Rescue is equipped with a selection of Battery powered extrication equipment including a cutter, spreader and a ram hydraulic tools that can cut and spread, as well as battery and 220 Volt reciprocating saws, which allow us to extricate a trapped competitor from their vehicle.
This equipment is similar to that used by the UK Fire and Rescue services. The medical equipment we carry is comparable to that found in an NHS ambulance and includes a defibrillator.
Raf Rescue operates an ex-RAF Mercedes Sprinter 4 x 4 ambulance and is located in Preston, with volunteer crew members situated throughout the UK.
WHY
Raf Rescue offers event organisers medical and rescue support to handle any unexpected incidents that might occur during an event.
Motorsport can be risky, and surprises can arise in various settings, whether it's a forest, road rally, racetrack, sprint, or hill climb events. Motorsport UK outlines the necessary requirements and the number of MSUK Rescue Units that must be present at the event to ensure maximum safety coverage.
Most racing vehicles in motorsport adhere to safety standards, which include roll cages, full safety harnesses, and fire suppression systems, along with the competitors' personal protective equipment. For rallies, Motorsport UK Rescue Units are staffed by at least 2 licensed crew members, while speed events require a minimum of 3.
At every event, it is a requirement by MSUK that a Doctor or Paramedic is included in the Rescue Unit. The Rescue Unit is an integral part of the event Safety Team and collaborates with a Recovery Unit during the event.
The Recovery Unit supports the Rescue Unit during incidents and is responsible for retrieving any broken down or immobile competitors' vehicles, which may be located far from the road. The Rescue Unit offers rescue and medical assistance to the Recovery Unit while they work on recovering competitors at the conclusion of the event. Our mission is to deliver quick and dependable emergency medical services to those who require assistance..
WHEN & WHERE
Raf Rescue averages approximately 45 days of events each year and covers around 10,000 miles traveling to and from these events.
Motorsport event locations include journeys to the North of Aberdeen, the Isle of Mull, Border Counties, Northwest, North East, North Wales, South Wales, East Midlands, the Isle of Man, and various sites that provide coverage for World Rally Championship (WRC) team testing.
We have offered support and medical cover for the following championships:
• World Rally Championship
• British Rally Championship
• British Sprint Championship
• British and Scottish Tarmac Rally Championship
Raf Rescue has been engaged in numerous incidents during events, consistently delivering top-tier rescue and medical assistance to competitors, officials, and spectators while attending motorsport events, collaborating closely with the air ambulance and NHS ambulance services.
HOW
Raf Rescue is a completely voluntary organisation that relies on contributions from the rescue and medical services it provides at various events, including sponsorships, with all donations directed towards covering the operational costs of this essential aspect of motorsport safety provision.
Since all equipment utilised by Raf Rescue must be acquired, serviced, and replenished, along with the ongoing maintenance and repairs, the organization covers approximately 10,000 miles annually while offering a voluntary service for motorsport.
All earnings from event coverage are reinvested into Raf Rescue to ensure that operations run smoothly and professionally.
The initial cost of the unit was £26,000, excluding the rescue and medical equipment added later, highlighting the significant commitment Raf Rescue has made to ensure safety in motorsports.
TRAINING & TRAINEES
All members of Raf Rescue are equipped with training in the use of hydraulic and battery-operated equipment to extricate casualties from vehicles, as well as the medical tools carried by the Rescue unit.
Throughout the year, Raf Rescue holds multiple training days in line with MSUK requirements. These sessions emphasize the safe operation of our rescue and medical equipment.
Training updates are consistently provided, along with additional training days alongside other Rescue Units.
Individuals interested in motorsport are always welcome to join as New Rescue Trainee Members at Raf Rescue.
To qualify as a MSUK Rescue Trainee, you must attend a minimum of 10 events of various competition types, which can be organized. You will be supervised by licensed Rescue Crew members at all times, and medical training will also be included.
Motorsport Events
- RACE
- RALLY
- SPEED
Motorsport UK licensed Rescue personnel provide immediate medical and extrication facilities at the scene of an incident. They move around venues aboard Motorsport UK licensed Rescue Units, which are kitted out with the latest medical and extrication equipment.
Based in Preston UK
Raf Rescue operates an ex-RAF Mercedes Sprinter 4 x 4 ambulance and is based in Preston, the volunteer crew members are based throughout the UK.
