A MEDIC dubbed the 'flying doctor' has been killed at a motorcycle race in Dublin while providing medical cover at a practice session at the Skerries 100.
Emergency trauma doctor Dr John Hinds from Tandragee died after he was involved in a "serious accident" at the race on Friday night, the Motorcycle Union of Ireland said.
It is understood he was fatally injured when he crashed into a wall as he rode behind the competitors on the first lap of the practise session.
One of Irish road racing’s travelling medics - who would rush on their motorbikes to tend at the scene to injured racers and spectators - Dr Hinds attended the injured on his own motorbike. Identified as a doctor who wore a bright orange helmet, he also worked as an intensive care consultant and anaesthetist at Craigavon Area Hospital.
Frequently attending road races, the 35-year-old known affectionately as 'Doc John' was part of the Motorcycle Union of Ireland's first responders at races including the North West 200.
Held in huge esteem by the racing community, he was one of the largely self-funded team of doctors, nurses and paramedics who responded to crashes at the Irish national and international races. His partner Janet Acheson (35) is an obstetrician at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry.
Female racer Maria Costello said: "I am devastated to hear the news about Dr John Hinds. A true gentleman. Amazing and talented, who gave so much to this sport and saved so many lives. An unsung hero."
Expressing her condolences Paula Clarke, interim Chief Executive for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust said: “On behalf of all of his friends and colleagues in the Southern Trust, I extend heartfelt sympathies to John’s partner Janet and his family.
"John was a much-loved and highly regarded member of the intensive care team as a greatly skilled, dedicated and compassionate doctor whose patients always came first. We are all deeply saddened by his tragic and untimely passing and he will be sorely missed.”
Members of the medical profession also paid tribute to the motorcycling doctor.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) tweeted: "Saddened to hear reports of the untimely death of Dr John Hinds - a friend to many in NIAS."
Dr Hinds had led a campaign for an air ambulance service to be introduced in Northern Ireland and had met with Stormont health minister Simon Hamilton to discuss the issue.
Mr Hamilton said Dr Hinds was a "lovely guy who will be sadly missed".
TUV MLA Jim Allister, who backed the air ambulance campaign, said the death of Dr Hinds was deeply shocking.
"He was one of our leading trauma experts. He was driven with a great passion to try and improve the chances of those involved in serious accidents. My thoughts are with his family," he said.
Motorcyle News described Dr Hinds as "a truly exceptional and selfless man".
