Quick, Somebody Call a Bike!

By Prescott Carlson in News on Sep 19, 2010 3:45PM

Residents in south suburban Oak Lawn needing medical assistance may find themselves surprised when instead of an ambulance rolling up to their aid, they might get a paramedic utilizing a more unconventional vehicle -- a bicycle.

The Oak Lawn Fire Department received a $3,000 donation from Christ Medical Center in order to start their pilot bike medic program, allowing them to pay for specially equipped bikes tricked out with defibrillators, medication, intubation supplies, and a host of other emergency medical supplies. Cris Tregoning from the fire department told the Southtown Star:

"[The bicycle medics are] very helpful in a big crowd or a blocked-off area. Bikes can go through the crowd and go right to the person who needs help... They're up a little bit higher than the crowd, so they're easy to spot."

Bicycles utilized for emergency response were first adopted in Seattle in the late 80s, and bicycle medic programs have been spreading to various cities and towns nationwide. The Chicago Fire Department has had a team of bicycle riding paramedics for several years, patrolling the Loop and the Lake Michigan bike path. They'll also be on hand for the upcoming Chicago Marathon on October 10.