"It is a mix of 'art and science' that goes into setting up care for health crises in the yearly TT event," said the director of the ambulance services. The two-week period on the Isle of Man is, until the 7th of June, a time with more doctors, nurses, surgeons, and ambulances available.
Will Bellamy, who leads the ambulance team at Manx Care, said they always had to think ahead, explaining that it is the busiest time. "A whole lot more people come to the island, and we keep that in mind when we make plans." Manx Care has also increased the number of on-call and on-duty staff. Mr. Bellamy added that eight additional "mutual aid" members came out from the southeast coast ambulance team.
Planned surgeries come to a halt during race days so urgent care can take precedence at Noble's Hospital. Mr. Bellamy said that in smaller injury units and the emergency unit, there are more doctors and nurses, as well as more surgeons to cover an expected increase in demand. Additional groups coordinate aircraft for transporting patients to UK hospitals should the need arise, with daily communication regarding space availability, he added.
For most of the year, there are four porta-ambulances working during the day, with only three available at night on the island. But when the TT event takes place, these numbers increase to seven porta-ambulances during the day and five at night, according to Mr. Bellamy. "You can't guess how many bad events might happen in any year," he added, "but then it is a bit of an art and science to work it out." He called the "art" the one that comes with knowing about past years and spots where more accidents happen. Mr. Bellamy wanted to make sure the local folks and guests knew that, in case there were sick persons during the TT, in particular if races were on, there were tons of avenues available to get to their help fast on this island, and one shouldn't hesitate to call out for help. "Whether we reach you by cars, ambulances, or even a helicopter from the sky, it's all planned out," he added.