Official
Devon members of the Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes It is important to understand that South West Blood Bikes is an independent charity, formed in Plymouth in 2018. The charity is operated and managed by it's volunteers and we are not connected to any other charity within Devon or elsewhere. Our mission is clear - to save lives, and improve outcomes for patients by supporting healthcare providers where rapid movement of the items we transport will achieve this. We move Whole Blood, Pathology and Microbiology samples, Donor Breast Milk, Medical Records and X-Rays, Medical Equipment and Test Kits, and medications including controlled drugs - in fact anything that is required urgently by a medical facility, providing it can fit on a motorcycle. Initially servicing Plymouth in Devon, we now have four teams around the County, with the others being based in Torbay, Exeter and Barnstaple. We work with other Blood Bike Groups where needed, to facilitate the movement of items across the country by means of arranging relays. Our charity has no paid staff, and makes no charge for our service. Every penny raised by the charity is spent directly on providing our free Blood Bike service supporting the NHS, Hospices and other medical facilities we serve. All of our volunteer riders hold advanced riding qualifications certified by either the IAM or ROSPA. We provide our services from 1700hrs to 0700hrs weekdays, and provide 24 hour cover during weekends and public holidays. 24/7 cover is provided by our Exeter and Torbay Teams to support their local hospitals and hospices. Our vehicles comprise a fleet of 14 liveried motorcycles, supported by three Skoda Scout 4 Wheel Drive cars for use in inclement weather and we currently have 83 active volunteers (as at August 2023).
