Bloodbiker Delivers Urgent Sample from Dorset County Hospital
A bloodbiker swiftly transported a critical sample from Dorset to Filton, ensuring timely delivery for medical needs.
Dorset, Dorchester, Filton, South Gloucestershire, Bloodbikes, Emergency Services
Yeovil: An emergency call came in just before 9 PM on Thursday. The Yeovil Free Wheelers Blood Bikes provide a free, urgent medical courier service for the NHS.
The call was to transport a sample from Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester to the blood and transplant team in Filton, South Gloucestershire.
Volunteer Kris Knapton took on the task. He saw the message and knew it was important.
Kris checked in with Mike, the volunteer controller. He confirmed he was available and headed to the hospital to pick up a vehicle.
At Blood Sciences, he collected the sample. Then, he began the 90-mile journey to the blood bank in Filton.
Blood bikers don’t use sirens or lights. They also don’t have exemptions for speed limits or red lights, even for urgent deliveries.
Kris relied on his advanced training to navigate challenging roads and weather. He delivered the sample to Filton just after 11 PM and returned to Dorset County Hospital by 1 AM.
He shared, “I enjoy riding motorbikes and feel satisfied knowing I may have saved a life.”
Normally, Kris would ride a motorbike, but due to an injury, he used a car instead.
Bloodbikers deliver various clinical products, including blood and surgical instruments, 24/7.
The YFW Blood Bike group is looking for more volunteers. For more information, visit www.yfwbloodbikes.org.