Dubs are tops in ambulance driving and treatment skills.

The Senior Ambulance Competition which was won by the team from Dublin, followed by teams from Limerick and Wicklow in second and third place respectively, took place over an 8km (5 mile) circuit around the town.

Mass-goers and shoppers enjoying some rare March sunshine were able to see for themselves what actions are needed to save lives, prevent further injury and alleviate discomfort in a range of challenging scenarios; These included, a bike-race accident, a boiler explosion and the frightening consequences of a playground fall.

Teams of Ambulance drivers and expert First Aiders from across the country drove from one scenario to another, facing simulated tough time and treatment tests along the way.

Clan na Gael’s GAA club, provided the location for the first test – a referee with cardiac arrest and a player with a fractured wrist.

The second test at the Civil Defence base saw a boiler explosion leading to two casualties – a man with third degree burns and an infant with cardiac arrest.

A multiple incident scene was presented at the third test, involving a bike crash which led to one cyclist suffering spinal injuries, a marshal having an epileptic seizure and a curious onlooker slashing his leg as a result of his efforts to help.

At the fire station, there wan a heart attack and an asthma attack which required treatment in the fourth test, while the fifth test saw a child and an infant injured in a playground fall, involving concussion, cuts and embedded glass.

The sixth and final practical test involved an ambulance driving test, monitored by local HSE officials.

Every day communities across Ireland rely on the Irish Red Cross to comfort them and in some cases save their lives. These competitions demonstrate the ability of Red Cross members to help people in serious difficulty.

Above: Peter Ryan (centre) Captain of the winning Dublin Team (centre) with team mates Caitriona Ryan and Eithne Scully, holding the cup, and Frances Kenny with Tony Lawlor (far left) and John Roycroft Secretary General of the Irish Red Cross at the 2007 Senior Ambulance Competitions which were held on 30 March 2008. . Photography – Tom Conachy

Above: Shirley Foley, Gerard O'Connor and Mike O'Donoghue, members of the Limerick team which took second place at the Irish Red Cross 2007 Senior Ambulance Competition with Tony Lawlor (far left) and John Roycroft Secretary General of the Irish Red Cross. . Photography – Tom Conachy

Above: Colm McEvoy of Dundalk treats Brian McGahey, of Drogheda for "a lacerated artery" at a simulated cycling competition at the national finals of the Irish Red Cross Senior Ambulance competition. Photography – Tom Conachy

Above: Tom Clarke and Carol Cunningham of Claremorris, Co. Mayo assist Stephen O'Donoghue of Slane Co. Meath after Stephen suffered suspected "Cardiac Arrest" at the national finals of the Irish Red Cross Senior Ambulance competition. . Photography – Tom Conachy

Above: Billy O'Connor from Greystones Co.Wicklow treats Brian McGahey of Drogheda for a "lacerated artery" sustained in a "bike accident" at the national finals of the Irish Red Cross Senior Ambulance competition. The Wicklow team took third place at the event. . Photography – Tom Conachy