The Flying Christine III marine ambulance, the third boat employed as such, is provided by the St John Ambulance Guernsey charity and it is crewed by a team of expert volunteers from the local maritime community who serve as coxswains, navigators and engineers and work alongside full-time paramedics and medical teams from the Emergency Ambulance Service.
‘The marine ambulance volunteers give freely of their time to crew the Flying Christine III, often leaving their workplace or families at a moment’s notice, both day and night in all weathers, to help provide this lifeline service,’ said Chief Ambulance Officer Mark Mapp.
‘The Emergency Ambulance Service relies on their commitment and maritime experience to help us deliver pre-hospital paramedicine to Herm, Sark and Alderney.
‘I know their dedication is also hugely appreciated by the communities of the other islands of the Bailiwick.
‘It is very fitting that the crews will be able to wear these traditional and authentic guernsey jumpers, which have a long history of being worn by sailors, fishermen, explorers and royalty.
‘Not only are they warm, practical and hard-wearing, they are also very distinctive and look great.’
The Flying Christine III is equipped similarly to a road ambulance but with additional maritime and rescue kit and is available to respond 24/7 365 days of the year.
The jumpers were specially designed by Guernsey Woollens to honour the volunteers, past and present, who have served the Bailiwick for 25 years. The new garments will become part of the boat crew’s winter uniform.
Paul Eldridge, co-owner of Guernsey Woollens, said it was a great experience to collaborate on this project.
‘It’s been an honour to be involved in something for these volunteers, they are a credit to the island,’ he said.
‘We are delighted with how the garment has turned out.’
Flying Christine III is funded through a combination of fundraising, sponsorship and donations. The marine ambulance has been deployed on more than 45 missions so far this year.
You need to be logged in to comment.