Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes (SSBB), the registered charity that transports emergency blood to hospitals across the two counties, has had tracking devices installed across their fleet of marked motorcycles.

The charity, which is run by local volunteers, have had the devices fitted free of charge in a sponsorship deal with Trakm8.

Trakm8’s 100% waterproof and dustproof T8 Mini telematics device, has been installed across all ten of SSBB’s motorcycles.

By combining the devices with Trakm8’s mobile software, SWIFT, the charity will benefit from real time tracking.

This will enable an operator to calculate more accurate arrival times on emergency blood deliveries and also other important resources such as surgical equipment, medication, and patient notes.

The software will also indicate live road speeds, giving an SSBB operator a useful tool for calculating the fastest route to the hospital which requires their vital services. 

SWIFT is used by various different industry sectors including logistics, private hire and recovery.

SSBB trustee, Roy Broad, said: “Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes is pleased to be working with Trakm8 and is grateful for the support offered in supplying tracking devices for the charity’s marked group bikes. This offers better overall management and security for the bikes when they are operational and it is important for emergency situations when the location of a particular bike is required."

John Watkins, chairman of Trakm8, said: “In light of the current pressures faced by the NHS, organisations such as Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes are extremely important and I know that they are highly valued by residents in local communities. I hope that our tracking systems can serve to benefit their hard work by improving their day to day efficiency.”