Bike medics respond to over 200 calls
in a single summer
By Michael A. Neumann
Niagara EMS, Ontario (Canada)
While I was growing up in Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada), it was expected
that I would someday work to serve my fellow humans. As a youngster, I worked
for the Maid of the Mist Steamboat Company, introducing visitors to the mighty
Falls in an "up close and personal" way. But I never thought I'd be back
in Niagara Falls, working right beside one of nature's wonders.
Today, I am a paramedic with Niagara Emergency Medical Services. Although
I enjoyed working in the tourism industry, my childhood dream was to someday
become a paramedic (just like Johnny & Roy). Now I've been one for 21
years.
Three years ago, Niagara EMS, with assistance from the Niagara Paramedic
Association, developed a bike medic program. Initially, it was to be used
only for special function duty, e.g., group events, marathons, bike races,
etc. But two summers ago, we conducted a pilot project in which bike medics
were assigned to patrol Victoria Park, Clifton Hill and Casino Niagara on
weekends. These areas have a very high volume of vehicle and pedestrian traffic
during summer months. As a result, ambulances were delayed getting to the
scene of ill or injured people.
The most logical solution to the problem was to put medics on bikes. I had
the privilege of being a part of the project from its inception. Our pilot
project was such a huge success, that in summer 2002, the bike program became
a permanent fixture. We worked 12 hours a day (1000-2200 hrs), seven days
per week. During that time, the Niagara EMS Bike Medics responded to 254
calls in the Park/Clifton Hill and Casino Niagara areas. We arrived at the
scene before the ambulance 58% of the time. Not a bad track record. To get
to some of those calls, we really had to bust our humps.
In addition to responding to medical calls, we took an active approach to
bike safety and helmet use. I'm shocked at the number of people who still
do not wear helmets. I find it especially disturbing when I see a family
riding and the children are wearing helmets but the adults are not. Hopefully
we can change that someday!
Our bikes have really developed over the past three years. At first, we had
nice mountain bikes, donated by many sources. In 2002, we upgraded our mountain
bikes and switched to disc brakes. What a difference that has made, especially
during wet weather! Our bikes are outfitted with nice pannier bags in which
we carry enough supplies to handle about two calls before restocking. We
carry an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator), Oxygen, Symptom Relief
Medications, i.e., Nitroglycerin, ASA, Ventolin, Epinephrine, Glucagon and
Oral Glucose. In addition, we have first aid supplies and a glucometer. The
bikes have a fair bit of weight, but that's OK…I like to build on my
legs!
I truly love being a bike medic. Being by the Falls, in the outdoors, meeting
new people from all walks of life and from all around the world, and caring
for our visitors and citizens has got to be the best duty ever! I highly
recommend this approach to rapid on-scene medical care, especially in areas
of high traffic volume.
Mike Neumann can be reached at
ma.neumann@sympatico.ca.
© 2003 IPMBA. This article first appeared in the Spring 2003 issue of
IPMBA News. |
