Minot firefighters to create EMS bike patrol
by Jill Schramm, Minot Daily News, November 29, 2023
Watch a video: https://www.kfyrtv.com/2023/12/05/minot-fire-department-adopt-ems-bikes/
A $30,000 grant from the Minot Junior Golf Association has accelerated the Minot Fire Department’s plans for a future Emergency Medical Service (EMS) bike patrol division.
Members of the Minot Fire Department joined Minot Mayor Tom Ross and City Manager Harold Stewart on Nov. 22 to accept the donation, which is expected to cover the start-up costs of equipment and training. The department looks to have the new division operating next spring or summer, said battalion chief Brent Weber.
The fire department will work in conjunction with the Minot Police Department’s existing bike patrol division, according to the City of Minot. The plan is to have a presence at large community events, such as summer arts in the park activities. The bike patrol will be able to respond to emergency health-related events more quickly than deploying a fire engine from one of the fire stations.
Weber said the bike patrol also will be able to serve areas, such as along the river, that are difficult to access with vehicles.
“It’s an additional service on top of what we are already providing,” Weber said, noting the fire department will continue to staff its existing medical response units.