Get on your bike and take to the frontline in battle against Covid-19

ANN CASEY
With mobile Covid-19 testing centres located all around the country, including in Navan and Oldcastle, a team of volunteer motorcyclists is helping get the samples to the laboratories for testing.
Cù Chulainn Blood Bikes is a vounteer group that provides free transportation of blood, blood products, human tissue, patient files/X-rays and infant milk to and from local hospitals during out of hours periods.
Now they are also riding across the region with swab samples for testing as part of the war on Covid-19.
“We are working collectively with other blood bike groups around Ireland,” says Cú Chulainn Blood Bikes secretary, Robert Babbington.
“We are extremely busy supporting the fight against Covid-19.”
Cú Chulainn Blood Bikes use highly trained volunteer riders coupled with specially customised high-powered motorcycles.

The volunteer service has been relieving the pressure on already strained ambulance crews and other transportation drivers since 2016, leaving those full-time medical drivers available in their respective areas to deal with any emergency which might arise.
“We provide a swift and safe pick up and delivery service of medical supplies to Our Lady's Hospital, Navan as well as hospitals in Cavan, Drogheda, Dundalk and Monaghan.
“We also provide a cross-border service to Ireland’s only human milk bank in Enniskillen, county Fermanagh.“
They provide these services between 7pm and 7am, Monday to Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday and on Bank Holidays.

“We currently have 25 members and three specialised motorbikes as well as a 4x4 jeep for transport of bulky materials or for extreme weather conditions.
“We are funded solely by public donations and limited sponsorship,” Robert explains.
Now, more than ever Cú Chulainn Blood Bikes is looking for new volunteers and donations.
“If you are an experienced motorcyclist aged 25 and over, with a full clean A class motorcycle driving licence for a minimum of two years and no penalty points you can volunteer.

“No matter how experienced a rider you maybe, you will still need to take advanced bike training (ROSPA) to become a competent blood bike motorcyclist. Volunteer applicants are also subject to vetting by An Garda Siochana.”
Although the volunteer bikers are providing the actual transportation of blood and other crucial medical items, there are still other critical volunteer roles to be filled at Cú Chulainn Blood Bikes.
“We need volunteer controllers to organise pick up and deliveries between hospitals and other medical establishments by taking telephone calls from hospitals and in turn contacting available volunteer motorcyclists.
“We also welcome volunteer van drivers as these volunteers have an important role to play too. We have a specially equipped van that is in full time use carrying urgent medical deliveries between hospitals in the North-East region.
“As we are a totally volunteer based ‘not for profit’ organisation we always need fundraisers to go out into the community we serve to raise financial support for Cú Chulainn Blood Bikes,” Robert explains.
Anyone interested in volunteering can Robert at Secretary@cuchulainnbloodbikes.ie
You can also donate to Cu Chulainn Blood Bikes by using iDonate.ie