Bike Team

The Paramedic Bike Team is utilized to provide medical support at events when large crowds are expected or when an event covers a large geographical area.  FCEMS looks at the bike team as a staffing and cost effective alternative for handling request for event coverage.  The team also assists with bike rodeos and public education events.

The team began with 12 members in the summer of 2002, expanded to 24 members in the spring of 2003 and now has over 30 members.  Each team member has completed specific training that deals with the use of bikes, evasive maneuvers in rough and congested terrain and handling the added weight of medical equipment.

Emergency medical services on bicycles is a fairly new concept.  Equipment for the team was looked at and researched in the early planning stages of team development.  The equipment would have to be adequate for providing the needed patient care but size and amounts were carefully discussed.  The equipment the team needed would have to be light enough to carry but in-depth enough to sustain patient care until a transport unit arrived on the scene.  Once the list was compiled the kits were stocked with equipment including but not limited to oxygen, Heartstream AED, IV and airway supplies, and medications.  Each bike is fitted with rack packs and saddle bags that provide the needed storage area and support for the supplies.  The kits are also easily removed from the bikes to allow for situations where members must leave the bike to make patient contact.

Even in the early stages of team development, it has been recognized as one of the most effective public relations and education tools used in EMS.  Children and adults alike are much more likely to approach Paramedics on bikes than those stationed in a transport unit.  Public recognition and acceptance has been tremendous.

To learn more about the FCEMS Bike Team, contact Cpl. C.H. Durham.

Current FCEMS Bike Team Roster