Madison Fire Department to roll out EMS Bike Unit at Sunday's Ride the Drive event

May 31--Lifesaving aid for people injured off the beaten path or in crowded areas is just a bicycle ride away with the Madison Fire Department's new EMS Bike Unit.

The six-bike unit -- three teams of two riders each -- will roll out in full force along with other bicyclists participating in Sunday's Ride the Drive event Downtown.

While two of the EMS teams ride along with cyclists in high-traffic areas, the third team will be at Brittingham Park to share information with the public about the program, said paramedic and training officer Fiona Thompson.

In the past, paramedics used their own bikes at special events, such as the Madison Marathon, and had to tote large fanny packs containing limited medical equipment and supplies around their waists or over their shoulders, Thompson said, adding, "It was uncomfortable for them."

The new Trek bikes are specially designed for use by paramedics and equipped with rear bike bags and panniers containing lifesaving equipment.

One bike on each two-person team will have an automated external defibrillator used to treat people in cardiac arrest. The bike will have a small oxygen tank and other equipment to assist with breathing, and trauma supplies and medications for treating conditions ranging from allergic reactions to drug overdoses.

Other supplies carried by the bike teams include IV equipment, collars for immobilizing people with spinal injuries, tourniquets to stop bleeding and triage tags in the case of mass casualties. Riders also have special radio harnesses.

Each team will be supported by an ambulance, which will transport patients if needed, Thompson said.

"The idea is we can get into crowded areas," she said, adding the bike teams can get to patients faster than paramedics on foot and can carry more lifesaving equipment.

"If there's a serious trauma, they're able to start an IV to keep the patient from going in to shock."

So far, 20 of the department's 96 paramedics have received bike unit training, including how to maneuver the bicycles.

"We want to lead by example," Thompson said, by always wearing helmets and riding safely.

The unit also will play a role in public relations for the department.

EMS bike units are becoming increasingly popular with departments across the country, Thompson said.

Division Chief Richard Kinkade, who oversees the department's EMS operations and proposed creating the bike unit, said costs included about $6,600 for the bikes and $1,500 for the bags.

The bike teams will be used primarily for special events, including the Taste of Madison, and the Rhythm and Booms and Elver Park fireworks.

When the EMS teams aren't out on the bikes, the department is able to use them for other purposes, Kinkade said, adding that chiefs have already ridden them to meetings instead of driving a vehicle.

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