Providence Fire EMS Bike Unit adds more cyclists and expands service
by TEMI-TOPE ADELEYE, NBC 10 NEWS , April 9th 2024
Photo: EMTs and Firefighters on these bikes were dispatched to roughly 44 calls during the nine-week trial period. (WJAR)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — From now until Columbus Day, some Providence firefighters are giving up their rescues for pedal power.
Providence Fire Chief Derek Silva said their department's Emergency Medical Services bicycle program returned last week and expanded.
"Last year we initiated a pilot program to provide opioid prevention for overdoses, first aid, and mental health support," said Silva. "So that we weren't utilizing the seven advanced life support rescues that we have."
Silva said last year's trial ran from mid-August to mid-October with two bikes working the Kennedy Plaza area.
EMTs and Firefighters on these bikes were dispatched to roughly 44 calls during the nine-week trial period.
Silva said in 2022, the department received 24,118 advanced life support (ALS) calls. In 2023, it was 22,632, a roughly 15% decrease.
Now it's April, and the $21,000 program has added two more bikes and expanded to the Broad Street area.
"What we're trying to do is identify high population pedestrian areas in the city where we can utilize these resources to free up those rescues for more important or more advanced level of care type calls."
Silva said you can also spot them on Atwells Avenue, Hope Street, and North Main Street during events.
Firefighter William Garcia is one of the four firefighters/ EMTs riding around to offer support. He showed NBC 10 some of the medical gear he carries with him, including Narcan.
"It's every day that they have a detail for this now, so every day you have to make sure that you know all of the equipment is there," said Garcia.
When the weather turns warm, they leave the trucks at the station and head out on two wheels.
Besides responding to calls, the firefighters offer help to anyone who needs care.
"It's quicker to get in between streets and get closer to patients. We're not just driving by and looking at them," said Garcia.
"So they get to see us closer, and interact with us, and ask us questions if they see us. So it's great."
Silva reminded the public that his department offers public education as well.
"For the folks that see the bicycles out there... stop.. talk to the firefighters... ask them what they're doing," said Silva.
"We put out fires, but we do a heck of a lot more than that too."
The EMS bike unit is staffed from noon until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.