Biker paramedics to beat traffic

The motorbikes carry basic medical equipment

The Scottish Ambulance Service has bought a fleet of motorbikes to beat increasing levels of congestion.

Nine motorcycle paramedics will be stationed in Scotland's busiest towns and cities to respond to emergencies.

The service has to respond to the most urgent calls within eight minutes, but congestion has made this difficult.

The motorbikes carry basic medical equipment, which the service said was enough to stabilise most cases at the scene and improve chances of recovery.

Normal ambulances will provide back-up and take the injured to hospital.

Following a successful trial, nine bikes will be positioned in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Paisley, Fife, Lanarkshire and Edinburgh.