E-100 Advanced Medical Bike Unit

Question 1

Goals

Answer 1

A. The goal of the Advanced Medical Bike Unit (A.M.B.U.) is to provide advance life support (ALS) medical resources at special events and details where traditional EMS apparatus may sustain delayed patient access due to large gatherings of people or remote/isolated locations.

B. The Advanced Medical Bike Unit (A.M.B.U.) is utilized to increase the public’s awareness of our community involvement.

Question 2

Selection and Qualifications

A.M.B.U. is a highly visible, skilled and physically intensive assignment. Members must ____

Answer 2

project confidence in their bicycle riding abilities as well as serve as a role model for safety procedures.

Question 3

Selection and Qualifications

Events such as ____ can benefit from A.M.B.U. deployment.

Answer 3

large scale or crowd intensive gatherings, foot, road or bicycle races, events on inaccessible terrain, public relations, and educational programs

Question 4

Selection and Qualifications

Team membership is open to all members of the Department who are ____

Answer 4

Division certified paramedics. The applicant must pass a physical ability test and successfully complete a standardized bicycle operator’s course. After completion of both the physical ability test and the bicycle course, Team members will be selected by the Fire Chief or designee.

Question 5

Selection and Qualifications

Qualifications:

Answer 5

1. Division certified Paramedic.
2. Successfully complete a physical ability test.
3. Successfully complete a Division approved bicycle operations course.
4. Complete Airport Ramp Driving and SIDA certification as may be appropriate.
5. Each Team member must have an enthusiasm and willingness to interact with the public in highly visible situations.
6. Must be committed to teamwork and promoting the Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue.
7. Must have the physical endurance to participate in the long hours associated with Team functions.
8. Must portray a positive attitude toward the Team and to the public.
9. Must be able to conduct and participate in structured talks and demonstrations to large groups of people.

Question 6

Staffing

The A.M.B.U. will operate with ____

Answer 6

two (2) Paramedics at all times. Depending on the size of the event more than one team may be used. Staffing of details and special events will follow the Department’s current staffing and overtime notification procedures.

Question 7

Training

Currently each Team member must complete ____

Answer 7

a 4 day Bicycle Safety Operations Course or equivalent Department approved course. Recertification on Performance Objectives as directed by Team Coordinator.

Question 8

Uniforms

The operation uniform for A.M.B.U. Team members will be as follows:

Answer 8

1. Blue BDU pants or issued blue BDU shorts.
2. Department issued Polo shirt with appropriate embroidery
3. Black athletic footwear.
4. White socks.
5. Black duty belt.
6. Bicycle helmet with appropriate graphics.

B. Grooming policy will be in accordance with current Department standards.

Question 9

Safety

Answer 9

A. During daylight hours, eye protection (whether goggles or sunglasses) will be mandatory.
B. Helmets and glasses will be worn and secure during anytime the bicycle is in motion.
C. When at a detail, water will be provided. Team members should continuously hydrate.
D. Warming up and cooling down, including stretching is a good way to prevent injuries.

Question 10

Bicycle Inspection

Prior to the bicycles being placed in service each bicycle must be ____

Answer 10

inspected for any defects or safety issues.

Question 11

Chain of Command

During details of special events, the on-duty district Battalion Chief will ____

Answer 11

have operational responsibility of the unit. Any specific questions or concerns relating to Team operations or equipment should be addressed through the chain of command.

Question 12

Dispatch Procedures

Call signs for the A.M.B.U. are as follows:

Answer 12

1. 1 Detail – “BIKE 210”.
2. 2 Details – “BIKE 210” and “BIKE 310”.
3. 3 Details – “BIKE 210”, “BIKE 310” and “BIKE 410”.
4. Two (2) person teams at every detail. If personnel are separated, call signs are “BIKE 210” and “BIKE 210A”. The ranking officer will make this designation prior to placing the detail unit in service.

Question 13

Dispatch Procedures

A.M.B.U will follow the same procedure as any detail by receiving the incident alarm via ____

Answer 13

pager/radio notification or call in alarm to the dispatch and request a rescue company for transport or an engine company for assistance.

Question 14

Dispatch Procedures

Alternative call signs may be implemented at the discretion of ____

Answer 14

the Department.

Question 15

Emergency Response

If called upon to respond to scene, ____

Answer 15

activate all strobes and headlights keeping in mind that the headlights only hold a charge for 3-6 hours. Crowds are not used to seeing or hearing emergency responses on bicycles. Proceed with the utmost caution due to crowd situations. The most direct route might not always be the quickest or safest.

Question 16

Event Responsibilities

Pre-Event

Answer 16

1. Report to pre-designated fire station to pick up bicycles. Report early enough to complete an equipment check and perform safety inspection.
2. Station Officer or Battalion Chief will have access to the bicycles and equipment. Pick up radios, pager and controlled medications from the Battalion Chief.
3. Secure all equipment in transporting vehicle or bicycle racks and proceed to the event site.

Question 17

Event Responsibilities

Event

Answer 17

1. The following procedures will take place upon arrival at event site:
   a. Make contact with the event coordinator, if applicable.
   b. Each team will ride the perimeter of the site to check for:
   i. Rescue and engine access points.
   ii. Congested areas or physical barriers.
   iii. Water supply locations
   c. This will allow the Team to become familiar with the layout of the event area and any areas of concern.
2. Personnel will follow existing policies and procedures concerning patient care reports.

Question 18

Event Responsibilities

Post Event

Answer 18

1. The following guidelines are to be followed at the conclusion of the event:
   a. Re-secure bicycles and equipment in transporting vehicle.
   b. Upon return to the fire station, wipe down bicycles and restock equipment if necessary.
   c. Secure cargo bags in station and charge AED.
   d. Lock bicycles and recharge battery packs.
   e. Return radios, pager and controlled medications to the Battalion Chief.
   f. Complete documentation (bicycle number, radio numbers, controlled medication locations, as appropriate).