A HEREFORD doctor will use his experience gained at one of Europe's largest motorcycling events to help casualties on the county's roads.

Dr David Houston has just returned from the TT Races at the Isle of Man after being invited to help with the medical treatment of motorcyclists and visitors.

"I was invited to go and accompany road traffic officers round the island and race track. I went to develop my skills in the management of injured motor cyclists," said David, a member of the local MARS team, a charity that brings advanced emergency medical care in partnership with West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

"They can have quite specialised patterns of injuries and I learnt how to carefully and appropriately remove a helmet from an injured cyclist."

David will now be able to apply his skills back in Herefordshire and recommends that the county's motor cyclists continue to improve their driving skills.

"Motor cycling has its risks but if you ride safely it reduces the risks significantly," David said. "The key for motorcyclists is to take the advanced driving tuition."

Visit www.marsbasics.co.uk for more information about MARS.