Raf Rescue
Raf Rescue is a voluntary organisation established in 1982, with a dedicated team of 8 active members.
We operate a licensed and registered Motorsport Rescue Unit, providing essential rescue and medical support for a wide range of events across the United Kingdom.
Our Licensing and Standards
Motorsport Rescue Units are licensed by Motorsport UK (MSUK), the national governing body for motorsport. MSUK sets strict requirements for the minimum level of rescue and medical equipment that all licensed units must carry.
To ensure the highest standards of safety and professionalism:
Regular inspections are conducted by MSUK.
Every three years, our team undergoes a formal assessment, which includes a mock casualty extraction using our equipment.
Our Equipment
Raf Rescue is fully equipped with advanced battery-powered extrication tools, including:
Cutters
Spreaders
Hydraulic rams
Battery and 220V reciprocating saws
This specialist equipment allows us to safely and efficiently extricate trapped competitors from vehicles, and is similar to that used by the UK Fire and Rescue Service.
Our medical equipment is comparable to that carried by an NHS ambulance, including a defibrillator and other advanced life-saving resources.
Our Vehicle
We operate an ex-RAF Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 ambulance, specially adapted for motorsport rescue operations.
Although our base is in Preston, our committed volunteer crew members are located throughout the UK, enabling us to support events nationwide.
Raf Rescue
RAF Rescue is a volunteer-led organisation dedicated to supporting motorsport events both locally and throughout the UK, offering essential rescue and medical services to ensure safety at every level of competition.
Stage Rally
Raf Rescue is a voluntary organisation that provides specialist support to motorsport events locally and across the UK.
Race Circuit
Trained in vehicle extrication, fire suppression, and scene safety we are usually stationed at strategic locations on the circuit
Sprint Events
We support Longton & District Motorclub with all their British Sprint Championship events
Rescue Ready
Our Rescue team also Includes doctors & paramedics with trauma or motorsport medicine experience
On Scene
We Provide immediate care at the scene, then stabilize for transfer to the circuit’s Medical Centre or local hospital.
Radio Communications
Official Safety & Medical Frequencies (Ofcom licensed):
81.575 MHz FM – Motorsport UK 1 & 2
81.5375 MHz FM – Motorsport UK 3 & 4
WHY
Raf Rescue provides event organisers with professional medical and rescue support to handle unexpected incidents during motorsport events.
Motorsport is inherently risky, and challenges can arise in any setting—whether on a forest stage, road rally, racetrack, sprint, or hill climb. To ensure maximum safety, Motorsport UK (MSUK) sets out clear requirements for the number of Rescue Units that must be present at each event.
Most competition vehicles are designed with safety in mind, featuring roll cages, full harness systems, and fire suppression equipment, along with competitors’ personal protective gear.
Rallies: MSUK Rescue Units must be staffed by at least two licensed crew members.
Speed events: MSUK Rescue Units require a minimum of three licensed crew members.
Medical requirement: Every Rescue Unit must include a Doctor or Paramedic as part of the team.
The Rescue Unit is a vital part of the event Safety Team, working closely with the Recovery Unit. While the Recovery Unit retrieves immobile or damaged vehicles—sometimes from remote locations—the Rescue Unit provides medical and rescue support throughout the process, ensuring both competitors and recovery crews remain safe.
At Raf Rescue, our mission is simple: to deliver fast, reliable, and professional emergency medical services whenever and wherever they’re needed.
WHEN & WHERE
Raf Rescue supports motorsport across the UK, averaging around thirty event days each year and covering approximately twenty thousand miles traveling to and from venues.
Our team provides specialist rescue and medical cover at a wide range of motorsport events, including locations as diverse as:
North of Aberdeen
Isle of Mull
Border Counties
North West & North East England
North Wales & South Wales
East Midlands
Isle of Man
Various testing sites for World Rally Championship (WRC) teams
Championships Supported
We are proud to have delivered rescue and medical cover at:
World Rally Championship (WRC)
British Rally Championship
British Sprint Championship
British & Scottish Tarmac Rally Championship
Commitment to Safety
Raf Rescue has been engaged in numerous incidents during events, consistently providing expert rescue and medical assistance to competitors, officials, and spectators. We work in close partnership with the Air Ambulance and NHS Ambulance Services, ensuring the highest standards of safety and medical care in challenging motorsport environments.
HOW
Raf Rescue is a completely voluntary organisation that relies on contributions from the rescue and medical services it provides at motorsport events, as well as sponsorships. Every donation goes directly towards covering the operational costs of this vital safety provision.
All equipment used by Raf Rescue must be purchased, serviced, replenished, and maintained, alongside the ongoing repairs required to keep the unit operational. On average, the team covers around 10,000 miles each year while delivering this voluntary service to motorsport.
Every penny earned from event coverage is reinvested back into Raf Rescue to ensure smooth, professional, and reliable operations.
The unit itself required an initial investment of twenty six thousand pounds not including the additional rescue and medical equipment fitted later—demonstrating the significant commitment Raf Rescue has made to safeguarding motorsport participants and events.
TRAINING & TRAINEES
All members of Raf Rescue receive training in the use of both hydraulic and battery-operated equipment to extricate casualties from vehicles, as well as the medical tools carried by our Rescue Unit.
We hold multiple training days throughout the year in line with MSUK requirements, with a strong emphasis on the safe and effective use of our rescue and medical equipment. Regular training updates are provided, and additional sessions are run in collaboration with other Rescue Units to broaden experience.
We are always happy to welcome new members with an interest in motorsport to join Raf Rescue as Rescue Trainee Members.
To qualify as an MSUK Rescue Trainee, you must attend a minimum of 10 events across a variety of competition types (which can be arranged). During this time, you will be supervised by licensed Rescue Crew members at all times, and medical training will also form part of your development.
