Harrow resident and St John’s Ambulance Service member, Paolo Arrigo, was on volunteer duty at the London Marathon on Sunday.
Alongside his colleagues from SJA Harrow and SJA Crystal Palace, Paolo was stationed at the repatriation centre treatment area at Horse Guards, where he spent the day helping those who needed medical assistance.
Paolo, who described the experience as his “SJADay,” was part of a team of 1,300 SJA colleagues, as well as NHS and SJA Health Care Professionals, London Ambulance Service Paramedics, and the Metropolitan Police. The team was prepared to handle a range of issues, from fainting and gastrointestinal problems to blisters, dehydration, and cramps.
Posting via Facebook, Paolo said: “The Harrow SJA posse at the #londonmarathon teamed up with Crystal Palace…. we have a mini hospital here. Just being assigned radios, police briefing, role assignment AEDs and kit being issued.”
In a later post, Arrigo described his experience as “cracking,” despite working overtime due to late casualties. He praised the amazing team of volunteers, which included army and NHS doctors, paramedics, first aiders, and nurses, for their hard work in dealing with so many lovely people.
For Paolo, it was a worthwhile day helping out at the London Marathon and being part of the St John’s Ambulance team that provided medical assistance to the runners and spectators at one of the biggest events of the year.
