Andover Introduces EMS Bike Team
The hope is that the team will be able to access patients at crowded events like road races and parades faster than an ambulance or other vehicle
By Carla Rojo, NBC 10 Boston, May 23, 2023
The team will be dispatched during events like parades when it will be easier to get to an emergency by bike rather than an ambulance or other vehicle.
Watch the video: https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/andover-introduces-ems-bike-team/3052235/
Andover MA -- The Andover Fire Rescue will be rolling out a new unit, quite literally.
The EMS Bike Team will be responding to emergencies quickly when an ambulance or other vehicle is not able to get there first.
Dicky Krafton will be part of the 14-member unit.
"It's going to provide us with faster access in crowds to patients when they need care," he said, adding that the unit will be deployed during things like road races and parades.
They will provide basic life support while an ambulance is dispatched for more complex care.
"We have oxygen, we have a defibrillator, bleeding control, drugs for diabetes and cardiac emergencies, overdoses, and all your basic first aid equipment."
Chief Michael Mansfield said the new unit will help with community engagement.