General Information - EMS Bike Team

Emergency Medical Bicycle Team Policy OP-038  

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy and procedure is to outline the responsibility, training, care,

squad member selection, operation and use of the DFD medical mountain bicycles and related equipment.

RESPONSIBILITY

It is the responsibility of all Emergency Medical Bicycle Team members and all Department Officers to ensure compliance with these procedures.  It is the responsibility of all Department Members to be familiar with these procedures.

PROCEDURE/GUIDELINE

1          Policy

2.         Personnel Procedures

2.1       Squad Member Selection

2.2       Physical Requirements

2.3       Training           

3.         Bicycle Assignments and Checkout Procedures

3.1        Authorization for Use

3.2        Checkout inspection

4.                  Bicycle Care and Maintenance

4.1              Modifications

4.2              Repairs

4.3              Tune-ups, Overhauls, and Major Repairs

5.         Uniforms and Accessories

6.         Helmets and Safety Equipment

7.         Bicycle Security

8.                  Bicycle Transportation

9.                  Community Relations

10.              Legal Issues

11.              General Procedures

APPENDIX A

Equipment check off sheet.

1.         POLICY

It is the policy of the DeLand Fire Department to develop and maintain a safe, effective, and professional medical bicycle program.  Firefighters assigned to ride the medical bicycles shall be properly trained, equipped and proficient in the safe use and care of the fire department bicycles.  For the purpose of this policy, the DFD members trained and assigned to this unit will be referred to as a member of the DeLand Fire Department Bicycle Squad.

The bicycle squad will normally be used during special events when transportation by other means, such as fire apparatus, or by foot, will extend response times and delay treatment to patients.

The goals of the squad are as follows:

·        Provide rapid access pre-hospital medical services to the community

·        Provide community awareness about bicycle safety.

·        Provide specialized services to the community to include, public relations, search and rescue as requested, pre-hospital emergency medical services during special high population events.

2.         PERSONNEL PROCEDURES

The following sections outline the selection process and the physical and training requirements for bicycle squad members.

2.1       SQUAD MEMBER SELECTION

In recognition of the physical demands and special characteristics unique to the medical bicycle squad, only fire department members who volunteer and complete the mandatory training will be considered for the bicycle squad.  The maximum of 12 team members will make up the DFD bicycle squad.

2.2       PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Squad team members must demonstrate the ability to successfully complete the training required for the bicycle squad. Thereafter they must maintain a level of physical fitness sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position.

2.3       TRAINING

Before any members are assigned to the DFD bicycle squad they must complete a 32-hour class provided through the International Police Mountain Bicycle Association (IPMBA), or equivalent taught via in-house instructor(s). Once on the DFD bicycle squad the skills necessary to maintain competency will be maintained through periodic squad training and training rides.

3.         BICYCLE ASSIGNMENT AND CHECKOUT PROCEDURES

The following sections establish procedures for the assignment and safety inspection of the bicycles.

During any event using the bike squad it will be standard procedure to always employ the team concept.  At no time will only one bicycle be assigned.  When working an event, two bicycles and squad members will be referred to as a bicycle unit.

3.1       AUTHORIZATION FOR USE

All personnel assigned to the bicycle squad are authorized in the use of the DFD medical bicycles.  Fire department members or civilians not assigned to the bicycle squad are not authorized to use or train on DFD bicycles without the approval of the bicycle squad supervisor.

3.2.1        CHECKOUT INSPECTION

Prior to use, all bicycle squad members shall conduct a safety inspection of the bicycle. Special attention should be given to proper adjustments, worn parts, defects, and/or any other condition affecting the safe operation of the bicycle. Each bicycle has assigned equipment as follows:   

            Flashing rear light

            Horn

            Bicycle EMS bag

            Bicycle lock

4.         BICYCLE CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Bicycle squad members shall maintain the bicycles in clean, safe, and good-working order at all times.  Any damage or inoperable conditions shall be reported to the bicycle unit supervisor by the end of the shift via E-mail or in writing.  At the completion of each special detail, the working squad members will make sure that the bicycles used are returned to ready condition for the next assignment. This will include cleanliness, restocking of equipment used, and any necessary maintenance or repairs to equipment reported to on-duty Shift Commander and the Squad leader.

4.1       MODIFICATION

No modification will be made to a bicycle.

4.2       REPAIRS

Repairs of a non-routine nature shall be reported to the bicycle squad supervisor promptly. 

4.3       TUNE-UPS, OVERHAULS, AND MAJOR REPAIRS

Tune-ups, overhauls, and major repairs shall be approved by a bicycle unit supervisor and completed by the city contract vendor or the city's authorized designee.

5.         UNIFORMS AND ACCESSORIES

Squad members must wear departmental approved bicycle uniforms.  Bicycle uniforms may only be worn during actual bicycle squad functions.  Optional personally owned accessories might be worn with prior approval of the bicycle squad supervisor. Uniforms shall consist of the following:

            Approved uniform shirt, short and/or long sleeve

            Bicycle uniform shorts and/or pants

            Approved bicycle footwear with black "crew" sock     

6.         HELMETS AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT

The following must be strictly adhered to:

Department issued helmets shall be worn at all times a bicycle is in   operation.

During the hours of darkness, individual safety illumination must be worn.

7.         BICYCLE SECURITY

Bicycle squad members are required to maintain strict control over their bicycles at all times.  Bicycles shall not be left unsecured.

8.         BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION

When the DFD bicycles must be transported to a distant location, a City vehicle using the department issued bicycle rack will transport them.  Attention must be given to the prevention of damage to the bicycles and vehicle.  

9.         COMMUNITY RELATIONS

When operations permit, bicycle squad members are encouraged to interact with citizens seeking photographs and discussion of the medical bicycle program.  Bicycle squad members should take advantage of the opportunity to act as goodwill ambassadors for the DeLand Fire Department .

10.       LEGAL ISSUES

The following subsections will be followed at all times when operating as a DeLand Fire Department Bicycle Squad member.

10.1     Members shall obey all traffic laws, including stop signs, traffic signals, and lane usage. Riders should be aware that their conduct is under close scrutiny by the public.

10.2    In emergency situations the laws governing the operation of emergency vehicles

    shall be in effect

10.3     All riders shall utilize hand signals as taught in the EMS Bicycles Operations

Course for turns, lane changes, and stopping.

10.4     During night operations, All State and City laws concerning lighting on bicycles

shall be followed.

11.       GENERAL PROCEDURES

11.1     The DFD EMS Bicycles shall not be ridden by anyone other than a member of the Bicycle Squad.

11.2     Every accident involving an EMS bicycle will be reported to the Bicycle Squad Supervisor and on duty Commander if it involves personal injury, damage to the bicycle; damage to issued equipment, or damage to other property. Squad members involved in any type of accident will follow guidelines as describe in City and Department policy for reporting an accident.

11.3     The use of any tobacco products is strictly prohibited while assigned to a bicycle event or during training

Deland Fire Department
EMS Bike Team
"Providing rapid, efficient emergency medical care on wheels"

Mission : The Deland Fire Department EMS Bike Team provides emergency medical services during specialized situations and events and serves as a mechanism for ongoing public relations and injury prevention activities.