Let’s set things in motion 

What is Catseye Response  Stage Safety Unit (SSU)?

• Catseye Response is a volunteer / motorsport-oriented safety organisation that provides Stage Safety Unit & First Aid / Medical Response services at motorsport events (especially rally stages) in the UK.

• The “Stage Safety Unit” is a type of emergency / rapid response unit licensed under Motorsport UK, intended to get to incidents off public highways (e.g. on rally courses) and provide scene safety and immediate medical care until a full rescue / ambulance unit arrives.

Purpose & Role

The primary functions of a Stage Safety Unit like Catseye SSU include:

1. Rapid Deployment to Incidents

   The SSU carries licensed crew and equipment to the location of an incident on a rally stage to “render the scene safe” and begin medical support. 

2. First Aid & Stabilisation

   Before a full rescue or ambulance unit can arrive, the SSU provides first aid, spinal immobilisation, and basic medical intervention as required.

3. Scene Safety

   Ensuring the area is secure (from hazards such as fire, traffic, or debris), so that further rescue or medical work can be done without additional risk.

4. Supporting the Rescue Chain

   The SSU works in conjunction with full Rescue Units and Recovery units, bridging the gap between when an incident occurs and more comprehensive rescue / extrication capabilities arrive. 

5. They also assist in the broader safety coverage of the event (service areas, spectator zones) by providing first aid and being part of the overall safety infrastructure. 

Structure, Licensing & Requirements

Because SSUs operate under Motorsport UK (or equivalent national motorsport bodies), they must meet certain rules and licensing criteria. Some of these are:

• Annual Licensing & Inspections

  Rescue, Stage Safety and Recovery Units must be licensed yearly by Motorsport UK (or ASN in other countries). Units undergo inspections (first on registration, then at least every three years) to check equipment, condition, compliance, etc. 

• 
  

• Vehicle Type & Marking

  The SSU vehicle should be a car, estate car, or derived van, suitable for the terrain of the course (off-road, rough surfaces) and marked clearly with “Stage Safety Unit” (or under evolving rules, “Rescue Intervention”) with appropriate lighting/beacons. 

• 
  

• Crew Composition

  The minimum crew is two fully licensed crew members, or one licensed crew + a registered paramedic / doctor.

• Trainees may be included under constrained rules (e.g. limited duty signatures) but cannot exceed restrictions. 

• Equipment & Maintenance

  The unit must carry required medical and rescue equipment in good working order, with consumables in-date (e.g. dressings, oxygen, AED pads) and ensure all mechanical gear (e.g. hydraulic cutting tools, fire extinguishers) is serviceable. 

  Stewards or officials may check SSU equipment during events to ensure compliance. 

• Terminology Change

  In 2025, Motorsport UK is updating its regulations: the term “Stage Safety Unit (SSU)” is being replaced in many cases by Rescue Intervention Vehicle (RIV) to more clearly reflect the medical intervention role. “RESCUE INTERVENTION” or “RIV” markings will be required.

Strengths & Importance

• Faster initial response

  Because the SSU is more nimble than a full rescue unit, it can often reach incidents more quickly, beginning life-saving treatment immediately.

• Scene control & safety

  Early arrival by SSU helps with hazard mitigation (fire, fuel leaks, traffic control) so subsequent teams can operate more safely.

• Integration into event safety planning

  Catseye works with organizers, local motor clubs, and safety delegates to tailor coverage and integrate into event safety plans. c

• Volunteer / specialist expertise

  Many team members are licensed in motorsport medical / rescue, or have backgrounds in NHS / emergency services. c

• Credibility & trust

  Because SSU / rescue units are regulated and inspected under motorsport authority rules, they bring legitimacy and reassurance to event organizers and participants.