Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions answered that we are frequently asked about Blood Bikes Cumbria…
If there are any questions unanswered in this section contact us here, we would be pleased to help.
What is Blood Bikes Cumbria?
Blood Bikes Cumbria is a registered charity (Charity number: 1159026) organisation that transports blood, plasma, platelets, samples, vaccines and other urgently required medical items for the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust between premises in North & West Cumbria and hospitals / laboratories in the Newcastle area.
Blood Bikes Cumbria is part of NABB the Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes.
We operate our service 365 days a year and do most of our riding at night, sometimes in unpleasant weather. Our volunteers ride/drive our fleet of liveried blood bikes/cars to ensure we present a professional Image.
Why do Blood Bikes Cumbria use motorbikes rather than cars?
What sort of motorbikes do you use?
We currently operate a fleet consisting of Yamaha FJR 1300’s and BMW F800 GT-P’s. These are tourer type motorcycles designed to be ridden for extended periods and distances, that offer some protection from the worst of the weather and which have reasonable luggage capacity.
Our bikes have full high visibility liveried markings in order to ensure they can be easily identified as ‘Blood Bikes’ and to help our riders and their precious cargo be seen, and kept safe.
What sort of cars do you use?
Fleet consisting of Mazda CX-3’s and a Vauxhall Grandlander (supplied by Henry Surtees Foundation) for use in the daily run of delivering blood and plasma to the GNAAS (Great North Air Ambulance Service) at Langwathby, Penrith. We also have a fully livered Mazda CX-3 full liveried with emergency warning features.
Previously we have had vehicles like the following; Hyundai i30, Toyota Aygo (supplied on loan by a sponsor Myers & Bowman), Vauxhall Mokka provided on loan by Henry Surtees Foundation.
Can I use my own vehicle?
No, not normally. However, personal vehicles can be utilised in exceptional circumstances.
Where are the vehicles kept?
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Carlisle:- 2 X Motorcycles & 2 X Cars
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Whitehaven:- 2 X Motorcycles & 1 X Car
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Penrith:- 1 X Motorcycle & 1 X Car
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Cockermouth:- 1 X Motorcycle & 1 X Car
How do you transport blood, plasma, etc?
Blood and blood products such as platelets are packed inside special insulated boxes and these are then secured to a special rack on the rear of the bike. The boxes are designed to maintain the temperature of the load during transportation. Our bikes also have panniers where samples can be transported along with non-temperature sensitive items such as instruments or documentation. When the temperature is too cold, a blood car will be used.
What areas do Blood Bikes Cumbria cover?
We currently cover hospitals North & West Cumbria and also transfer samples from our area to the north east. We also deliver blood and plasma to the GNAAS (Great North Air Ambulance Service) at Langwathby, Penrith.
You can see our coverage areas on our about page here.
Are there any qualifications required to be a rider/driver volunteer?
Yes, all our drivers are required to have held a full car licence for at least 2 years and hold a recognised advanced driving qualification (such as IAM RoadSmart, RoSPA, Police, Ambulance, Fire or one of our listed qualifications). If you want to drive for us but don’t yet have a suitable qualification, we can put you in contact with one of the local advanced driving groups so you can gain the required qualification.
All drivers are required to have an assessment drive in one of the groups vehicles with an approved assessor before being able to volunteer for shifts, and a 3-yearly reassessment drive thereafter.
Do volunteers have to pay a membership fee?
Yes, but it is not much, a one off payment of £15 is required to cover the cost of your ID card and Hi-Viz logoed jacket.
Do the volunteers receive any remuneration or reimbursements?
No, all of our volunteers, including the committee give their time for free.
Are the rider/drivers required to have special training?
Yes, our riders / drivers receive training on the safe handling of all the items we carry and the procedures required. Riders / drivers undergo route training so they are familiar with the routes to and from our destinations.
If you are considering volunteering as a rider it’s also worth remembering that we operate our service 365 days a year and do most of our riding at night, sometimes in unpleasant weather. Therefore we look for experienced riders who ride their own bikes regularly throughout the year. If you are someone who generally only rides on sunny Sundays, this probably isn’t the job for you.
Riders and drivers are required to provide a copy of their current UK driving / riding Licence. Additional checks of your riding/driving licence will be undertaken on an annual basis.
Is there a uniform?
Riders must have their own protective motorcycle clothing such as boots, trousers, jacket, gloves etc and are expected to use their own helmet (white is preferred). A plain coloured helmet with no markings (stickers or decals) is acceptable.
How much time would I need to give?
For riders, drivers and shift controllers, we are looking for people who can volunteer for a minimum of two 12 hour shifts a month. Riders and Drivers are welcome to cover more shifts if they are able to. We appreciate everyone has different personal commitments with family/work etc. and we have enough riders to cover short periods where you may not be able to volunteer (such as going on an extended holiday). We do however need riders who are committed and are going to share the load. Members will be expected to conduct at least one duty, per calendar month
For those volunteering to help out with fundraising we are happy to take whatever time you can give, even if it is just a couple of hours at an event in your area (such as a supermarket collection) every couple of months.
Do your riders/drivers work nights?
Weekdays, weekends and Bank Holidays we operate 12 hour night shifts 18.00 hrs to 06.00 hrs. In addition Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays we operate 24 hours a day.
Are there other ways people can volunteer to help, apart from being a shift controller, rider or driver?
We have people who help us with fundraising and publicity activities etc. Fundraising is a really important part of what we do as without the funds we wouldn’t be able to keep running. If you have a talent, hobby or skill you think could be of benefit to us, or can spare a few hours a month to help us fundraise please let us know.
Is there an age limit?
Yes, there is a minimum age limit of 18 years old for Shift Controllers.
For rider / drivers the minimum age requirement is 25 years old. This is due to the requirments on our insurance policy.
As for fundraisers, we do have some little helpers around, so there is no age limit for fundraisers.
Why do you do it?
Who are the volunteers?
It’s a wide variety and cross section of people from all walks of life. Everyday people, like you.
How far will you travel on a call out?
Most of our journeys tend to be between our area locations and over to the north east, so typically anything averaging between 80 and 200 miles. However, we can and do go further if necessary. Where we need to transfer items across the country, for example to deliver samples to London or Manchester for analysis, we generally liaise with blood bike groups in other areas to quickly relay our cargo to where it’s needed.
How can I help?
We provide our services to the hospitals for free, so we rely 100% on donations from the public, from charitable groups and on company sponsorship to fund our work. Financial donations and sponsorship are therefore always very welcome. We are also grateful to companies who can donate or heavily discount the products or services we need to operate.
If you would like to make a donation please see our support page.
If you would like to find out more about our company sponsorship packages please contact us via fundraising@bloodbikescumbria.org.uk
If you’d like to find out more about volunteering or want to become a member please contact us via membershipsecretary@bloodbikescumbria.org.uk or click here.
Do you do public presentations?
Yes, we do. If you would like somebody to come and explain more about Blood Bikes Cumbria and what we do (and how and why we do it) – we are always pleased to provide speakers for your club, group or event.