TT visiting bikers urged to carry crash cards

Officials believe the scheme could help save lives

Motorcyclists visiting the Isle of Man during TT fortnight are being urged to carry cards which could help paramedics save their lives.

The "crash cards" include their name and medical details and are tucked inside their helmets, the Department of Health said.

It will give ambulance crews attending accidents vital information if the rider is unconscious.

Officials launched the scheme at the Southern 100 Billown Circuit on Friday.

Those who have signed up for the scheme will affix a small sign on their crash helmet to indicate that they are carrying a card.

It contains their name, post code, date of birth and a brief medical history, including current medications being taken.

The scheme was created by the Ambulance Motorcycle Club and has already been in use for a year in Essex.

But it is being publicised on the Isle of Man ahead of the influx of thousands of motorcyclists for the TT races.

David Killip, the Department of Health's chief executive officer - himself a motorcyclist - said: "Our aim is to have a safe TT, but I am very much reassured to know that if an accident does happen, the vital information our staff need will be readily available to them."

The Crash Cards are available from Noble's Hospital, motorcycle outlets, the Sea Terminal and police headquarters.