TFD’s bike team improves emergency response time at Turkey Mountain, special events
by Jennifer Maupin, KTUL staff, November 2, 2022
Photo: TFD's bike team improves emergency response time.
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — The Tulsa Fire Department is working on a new bicycle response team to provide faster initial patient contact in emergencies, according to TFD PIO Andy Little.
Turkey Mountain visitors can often get injured and lost and the bicycle team allows firefighters to cover more ground and locate lost victims much faster, Little said.
"If these events occur in the evening, it can be difficult for victims to give 911 call-takers detailed information about their location," Little said.
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TFD also has a Special Event Division that provides medical coverage at many special events in Tulsa throughout the year - where a bicycle team can be useful. Some of those events include the Tulsa State Fair, Freedom Fest, Oktoberfest, parades, Tulsa Zoo events, Tulsa Tough, Tulsa Run and the Route 66 Marathon.
"Our primary mission at special events is to provide sufficient resources capable of getting to the citizen in a timely manner to provide medical care as needed," Little said. "Many departments across the nation are providing bike teams to provide medical coverage at special events due to the capability of navigating large crowds, the low initial cost of equipment and the ability to connect with our citizens at these events."
Little said the program has been very effective so far at events.
"The bicycles allow firefighters to get through large crowds more effectively," he said.