Bicycle paramedics los angeles

CHP determined that a vehicle struck the bicycle rider in the city of Los Angeles. The driver hit the cyclist for an unknown reason at the intersection of Menlo Avenue and Venice Boulevard. They found the victim hurt as a result of the collision. Medical personnel then provided aid to the patient for the unspecified injuries they sustained in the wreck. Officials did not disclose the name of the wounded party and their condition at this time. Meanwhile, CHP affirmed that the motorist did not stop to help the bicyclist and fled the area.

Officers forced the intersection of Menlo and Venice to shut down following the crash. If you would like to contribute to this story, please contact us. Your information is never shared. In true LAFD fashion, all patients needing aid were taken care of with the best care possible.

However, during post-incident critiques, the LAFD again proposed the idea of medics on bikes. These bike units had proven that they could be a useful tool in EMS. Because of their success, the LAFD decided to revisit the idea.

In , the first training class of twenty members took to the streets. In the four years since its inception, the Los Angeles Fire Department Cycle Team has grown to members, one of the largest bike medic programs in the country.

These teams deploy all across the city, from street fairs in the San Fernando Valley to all night raves downtown, from 4th of July at Venice beach to the May Day March and many other street protests. These deployments can range from one team to six teams. During the holidays, two teams are placed at Los Angeles International Airport terminals. These teams provide a rapid ALS response when the Rescue Ambulance and Engine Companies assigned to the airport have difficulty negotiating the heavy traffic during the holiday rush.

In recent years, the department administration has been striving to have all members certified by the state for their positions, including specialty assignments such as Haz Mat, USAR, and ARFF. In , the department was looking to provide certified training for the members of the cycle team as well. The hour course provides skill training, maintenance, and operational considerations specific to EMS bikes.

IPMBA is the largest and most reputable public safety bike organization in the nation that provides this type of program. Now, there are more than Paramedic Bicycle Teams nationwide. These bicycle units give mobility to the EMS provider. The EMS personnel can negotiate congested areas during special events, in amusement parks, and at sports arenas. The Bike Teams administer emergency medical care in areas of large crowd volume where access by fire department apparatus may be delayed or impossible.

The access problems associated with these events lead to longer response times for Paramedics and Firefighters. Bicycle Medic Teams also serve as a public relations tool through elevated personal public interaction. Now, LAFD Bike Medics can make rapid, initial, patient contact followed by the "Gator" Team, who can assist with patient care then transfer the patient to an area where the transporting ambulance has access.