‘I cycle into crowds to deal with medical emergencies’: The volunteer saving lives

Karen gives first aid at packed public events (Picture: Roo Pitt | Pitt Stop Marketing)

Not all heroes wear capes… our Unsung Heroes series celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary work.

Today it’s Karen, 47, from west London, who administers first aid at public events.

What do you do?

I’m a cycle responder volunteer, so I bike through busy events to provide fast first aid assistance. I’ve done it for 11 years. Last year, our team helped at 220 events. I volunteer 500 hours in total per year.