Even more British Red Cross first aiders will be geared up for emergencies, thanks to Land Rover UK, who donated four extra cycle response units (CRUs) this week.

Two of the brand new bikes will be based in South Wales and will be the first of their kind in Wales. The new additions bring the total CRUs donated by Land Rover UK up to a fleet of 30, along with 30 UK‑based donated vehicles, a mixture of Defender, Discovery and Freelander models.

The bikes are part of Land Rover's three year global initiative of 'Reaching Vulnerable People Around the World', launched in August 2010. They have been helping to strengthen the ability of the Red Cross to respond to emergencies and people in need of assistance.

Developed together with 2x2, Land Rover's bicycle manufacturer, the bikes will work in pairs and in tandem with a Land Rover vehicle, as a mobile medical unit. Each CRU is fully equipped with a defibrillator, advanced first aid kit and resuscitation equipment, enabling first‑aiders to respond to incidents swiftly.

British Red Cross first aiders will now be able to effectively navigate through urban and crowded areas, reaching people faster in times of emergency with life‑saving care. Since their launch, the CRUs have already been operational at major UK events such as; the Great North Run, Essex Country Show and even attended an on‑site emergency at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, within 24hours of being rolled out nationwide.

Laura Schwab, Marketing Director for Land Rover UK said; "We are extremely proud to be contributing to the vital work of the British Red Cross. It's absolutely fantastic to see the Cycle Response Units (CRUs) reach that magic number of 30."

"The cycle response units fit perfectly with our 30 previously donated all‑terrain vehicles, forming a mobile medical unit, especially in areas where access is limited. Well done to all those UK dealers who raised money to fund the units."

Richard Hankins, Head of Event First Aid for the British Red Cross said; "Our 30‑strong fleet of cycle response units will now enable us to respond at even more events, ensuring that we reach more people in need of critical care. In an emergency, every second counts, and being able to cover all sorts of terrain and move through crowds swiftly could make the difference in medical crises such as cardiac arrest."

The collaboration between Land Rover UK and the British Red Cross is part of the major global partnership between Land Rover and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), announced in August 2010. It involves Land Rover supporting national Red Cross societies in 15 countries, with each country adopting a priority programme.

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MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

WaiLo Li                                                   or                 Lucy Reynolds                       

PR Officer for Global Partnerships                               UK PR Manager           
(Humanitarian & Conservation)                                    T: 01926 649282 / 07801 699928          
T: 07557847561                                                            E: lreyno25@jaguarlandrover.com
E: wli@jaguarlandrover.com

NOTES TO EDITORS:

• The Global Humanitarian & Conservation Partnerships form part of an integrated approach to sustainability and sit within Land Rovers' Our Planet. (www.landrover.com/ourplanet )
• The first part of this new initiative involves the funding of 30 life‑saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by Land Rover to enhance the capabilities of the UK‑based emergency response vehicles, which were donated by the company to the British Red Cross in 2008.
• A defibrillator is an important piece of equipment that can be used to save the life of someone suffering cardiac arrest. Over 30,000 people suffer from cardiac arrest each year, as a result of the heart failing to beat properly. An electric shock delivered by a defibrillator can get the heart beating again in its normal rhythm. Recent evidence shows that if a defibrillator is used within two to three minutes of cardiac arrest, up to 70 per cent of patients return to a normal heart rhythm and survive.
• In 2011, Land Rover Experience provided 27 driver training places for emergency responders, in preparation for off‑road driving in severe weather conditions. In addition, Land Rover provided e‑tutorials, off‑road driving materials for British Red Cross staff and volunteers.
• In 2010, Land Rover donated 30 defibrillators to go in the 30 previously‑donated vehicles, and loaned vehicles to the British Red Cross over the severe winter weather period, helping them reach vulnerable people in affected areas across the UK.
• In 2008, as part of Land Rover's 60th Anniversary and the 100th anniversary of the Royal Charter being granted to The British Red Cross by HM King Edward VII, the company donated 60 vehicles to the charity. Half of the vehicles were allocated to projects around the world and the other half were distributed throughout the UK.
• The global initiative builds upon Land Rover's commitment to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which has seen the company provide £4.5 million in support, since 2007.
• The global initiative focuses on two extensive Red Cross community programmes in China and Sierra Leone. Land Rover also provides additional support for Red Cross and Red Crescent programmes in Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States of America.
• Land Rover's association with the International Federation dates back to 1954, when Land Rover supplied a long‑wheelbase Series 1 to the British Red Cross for use in Dubai as a mobile dispensary.
• Land Rover's humanitarian partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies forms part of an integrated approach to sustainability and Jaguar Land Rover is investing £800m in sustainable technology, including the development of hybrid technology and the use of lightweight material.
• Land Rover has six Global Humanitarian & Conservation Partners including; International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Born Free Foundation, Biosphere Expeditions, China Exploration & Research Society (CERS),  Earthwatch Institute and Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).