Summit Volunteer
First Aid Squad

E.M.S. Bike Team

[ Operating Procedures | Equipment | Training ]

About the Bike Team

There are currently 10 team members, all of whom are certified as NJ Emergency Medical Technicians. Members use their own bicycle (a "p.o.b."). The Squad issues a uniform shirt, bike shorts, jacket and helmet. The uniforms were funded through private donations. Coverage is limited to pre-arranged special events.

Operating Procedures

An ambulance staffed with at least 2 members (not including bike riders) is always assigned to each event. When covering an event outside of our area, we generally request that a local ambulance be on the scene or available via radio.

Depending on the size and location of the event, we may also establish an on site treatment area. Our EMS canopy is often used at these events.
ICS is used and each member is assigned a unit number, generally their squad radio ID number.
We generally patrol in groups of 2 w/ complimentray equipment on each bike.
Each group has at least 1 portable radio w/ speaker mike although everyone usually has a radio of some type.

Equipment

The Squad provides the following equipment as needed:

clamp-on bike rack that attaches to rear seat stem
3-compartment nylon supply bag that attaches w/ velcro to rack
Lighting package: a combination head lamp/blue flashing light & red flashing rear light w/ battery pack (NightRider)
an orange safety flag (used when we will be operating in traffic)
at least 1 SVFAS custom water bottle (some carry 2; 1 for personal use and 1 for a patient)
P-50+ or GP 300 portable radio with remote speaker/mike
a map of the event area or route
some members also wear a fanny pack

EMS supplies carried by bike team members include:

pocket mask and/or BVM
nasal & oral airways
BP cuff & stethescope
ice and heat packs
foil blanket
sting swaps
sterile water
glucose
"convienence" bag
trauma supplies
adjustable Stiff-neck collar
gloves & a plastic waste bag

Depending on the ambulance location, we may also carry an AED. We do not currently carry oxygen on the bikes, but are investigating a safe way to do so. One of our more exhuberant members has been known to carry an OB kit!

We took some needling about the bike safety flags. They may look silly, but are helpful in traffic. In a large crowd, it also helps you spot your partner. They proved valuable when we travelled to New Brunswick to cover a walkathon.

Training

A 2-part training program has been developed by team member Jason Lambert and John Staunton, the team's founder. Jason manages Cycle Palace a bike shop in Summit, and is our technical guru. He teaches cycling skills at the Union County Police Academy and has trained many of the area departments. John is the team Captain and an EMT-Instructor. Our training courses include:

Introduction to EMS Bicycle Teams (2.5 CEU lecture)
EMS Bicycle Skills & Equipment (3.5 CEU practical)

Both programs have been approved for CEU credit by the NJ Dept. of Health. They were offered for the first time in April and well recieved. We expect to run both programs again in June.

Good skills training includes practice riding with the required equipment. It's best to cover a smaller size or shorter duration event before attempting a 50-mile road rally. Team members have also scheduled a few informal day or 1/2 day trips which serve as practice as well as recreation.

Coming soon... more team photos!