AV’s bicycle response paramedics riding high

June 3, 2024 | in News

In recognition of World Bicycle Day, Ambulance Victoria (AV) is celebrating its elite and highly skilled Bicycle Response Unit.

The Bicycle Response Unit is a team of experienced paramedics trained to provide rapid emergency care using tailor-equipped bicycles for special events.

Senior Team Manager Ross Manning has been a member of the Bicycle Response Unit since its implementation in 2005 and said it’s an important response capability for AV.

“For special events, we’re often first on scene so can provide life-saving medical care until an ambulance arrives,” Ross said.

“We work in teams of two and carry modified versions of all the equipment you’d find on an ambulance,” he said.

AV Manager Emergency Management Ian Hunt said the Bicycle Response Unit is an important response capability for special events, allowing paramedics to navigate crowded areas for quick access to patients during an emergency.

“In events where there are crowds and heavy foot-traffic, our Bicycle Response paramedics are really important as they can quickly reach areas which may be difficult to access by car,” Ian said.

“Our Bicycle Response paramedics carry life-saving medical equipment, including an automated external defibrillator, medication, airway equipment, and trauma management supplies,” he said.

“In medical emergencies like cardiac arrests where every second matters, Bicycle Response paramedics can arrive on-scene early and provide immediate lifesaving first aid until an ambulance arrives.”

Ambulance Victoria was one of the first ambulance services in Australia to implement a bicycle response capability.

“Ambulance Victoria has led the way in innovative response capabilities, and the unit is able to proactively monitor crowds and provide support before an issue escalates into an emergency,” Ian said.

Ross said ”we’re the eyes and ears on the ground at an event and can see what’s happening and intervene early to provide help”.

“There’s been a few times where we’ve seen someone who didn’t look well and stepped in to assist before the call to Triple Zero was made,” he said.

While the role can be physically demanding – such as one New Year’s Eve shift where Bicycle Response Paramedics travelled a combined total of more than 100-kilometres across Melbourne CBD – Ross said it was a privilege to be a part of the unit.

“We all love being a part of the team. We get to combine our passions of riding our bikes and helping people.”

Bicycle Response paramedics attend special events throughout Victoria, including the Spring Racing Carnival, music festivals, ANZAC Day, New Year’s Eve, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

World Bicycle Day is an internationally recognised day on 3 June established by the United Nations to recognise the benefits of using bicycles.

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