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Friday, January 29, 2010 | 
Always a welcome sight for attendees at special events in Los Angeles, the LAFD Bike Medic Program is celebrating its sixth year of service.
Barbara Brooks files this FDNN-TV video report...
Comprised of 175 specially trained Firefighter/Paramedics available for deployment on an as-needed basis, the LAFD Bike Medic Program is one of the largest in North America.
From lengthy parades and crowded festivals to all night raves and emotion charged sporting events, LAFD Bike Medic Teams see a multitude of assignments where their special abilities and training makes a difference.
Whether deployed along the 26.2 miles of the L.A. Marathon, or helping the thousands of global travelers negotiating LAX during a busy holiday weekend, LAFD Bike Medic Teams perform Advanced Life Support where and when it is needed.
The next time you're at large event in Los Angeles, keep an eye out for an LAFD Bike Medic Team; and then enjoy your day - knowing that prompt professional emergency care from people you trust, is just a short pedal away.
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
2 comments:
This is pretty cool.i didn't know there was a bike department until today. the training looks challenging and fun.
i would be cool if LAFD attended a major group rides like LACM. The LAPD already does so.
Stella.N,
Thanks for the note. Many members of your Los Angeles Fire Department enjoy off- and on-road bicycling on a regular basis with colleagues, and even more often with their friends, neighbors and families.
Chances are you have ridden by or alongside an off-duty member of our agency without knowing it!
The LAFD Bicycle Medic Teams seen in the video are comprised of the same Firefighter/Paramedics and Firefighter/EMT's that work daily in your neighborhood.
For the most part, these specially trained and certified firefighters are deployed on an ad-hoc and overtime basis (above and beyond their regularly scheduled duties) to work LAFD Bike Medic assignments with agency approval at larger events.
Sadly, the LAFD Bike Medic Team is not a full-time or regular assignment, and the certified members are not permitted to have an agency identifiable presence as a responder, or to utilize the city-owned bicycle and equipment without formal administrative approval.
We hope all of your rides are fun and safe, and encourage you to ask around. One of us might be (off-duty and) pedaling right behind you!
Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,
Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
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