An Everyday Story Of Saving Lives

The statistics featured with this article here are proof enough of the vital role played by the volunteers of the EVBS, and their tremendous number of lifesaving trips.

The image of our own Rotarian KEN SMITH symbolises their incredible support.  We have reported before on his participation in the activities of the “Essex Blood Runners” but these statistics prompted us to go to Ken to discover more about the Man, his Mission, and his Machine.

It Caught My Imagination

How long have you been involved ?
“I joined EVBS in the latter part of 2015 after I retired at the end of June. “

What got you involved in the first place?
“I used to belong to an advanced riding group and one of the guys I rode with was heavily involved. That’s how I learned about it and it was something I wanted to be involved in. But not while working.  
“I can’t explain why. It just caught my imagination. Combining riding my bike with something useful.”

When was that?
“Around the late 90’s, early 2000’s.”

Some Achievement

What’s this year demand?
We’ve gone from only 3,000 runs in 2019 to 8,000 runs last year, and with nearly 2,900 completed already (Q1 2021) this year, we’ll be close to 12,000 runs for 2021! That’ll be some achievement if we get there.
I do know at the moment that our day shifts (7am to 7pm) are averaging 20 calls a day. But of course, pre-Covid we were not running 24/7 which we now do. Then there are our regular night shifts plus air ambulance on top.
And all this is achieved by a whole host of very willing volunteers!! I am very proud to be part of the team.

Can you say how many personal runs you have done over the years, or, if not in the last year ?
“Simple answer – NO. Thinking about it, I guess I could have averaged 40-60 a year. Maybe more. The last year is not really reflective of my “normal” service. I have effectively shielded myself because of home. But I have done EHAAT (Essex & Herts Air Ambulance) and milk runs - that could average 30ish this year."

How has it affected your private life? How you have managed to combine life at home, and coping with “midnight runs”?
“I’m fortunate in having a very supportive wife. Generally I make sure that, before a rota shift, I try to rest a little (not difficult to drop off in the afternoon!)  I don’t drink alcohol during the day before a rota shift. If I get a call  in the middle of the night which is not uncommon I am able to “sleep in” a little in the morning after the shift finishes.  I manage not to disturb Jeannie too much so it works quite well. Normal rotas are 7pm to 7am or 7am to 7pm. And we’re operating 24/7 at the moment. I get my second vaccine jab shortly and will return to “normal”rota from May 1 – at last! You have no idea how I have missed this.”

Joining Rotary

Moving on, Ken, how long have you been a Rotary Club member ?
“I joined Billericay Rotary Club in, I think, 1998. It was the year that Larry Powles was president. I was attracted to EVBS because it exemplifies the same spirit of service to our community.”

It's Better By Bike

One fascinating area of your life which we have talked about many times at our lunches – THE BIKE!  When and why did you become an “Easy Rider”?
“It started in 1976, newly married, working in London and looking to save money. Bikes could be ridden with L-plates using a car licence as a provisional bike licence.  I progressed over the years up to a 250cc Honda, then followed it with a number of small bikes/mopeds to get me to the station from my home in Billericay. Riding was just a tool to me in those days.”

I gather you stopped riding around 1987. Why?
“Licence rules changed limiting learners to 125cc. Then in 1997 a Chelmsford riding school advertised in the Chronicle. “If you have a free hour, we have an hour free.” Seeing FREE twice I didn’t think about it, so I sampled the free hour, passed my three-day test on the third day.  I hadn’t planned on getting “hooked” but I did and, within two weeks, had a bike. I’ve been riding ever since and my current machine is my fifth bike since then. Riding, I guess, has become a bit of a passion.”