Cycle responder
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A Cycle Responder is a paramedic that uses a bicycle to respond to emergency situation. They are used by both the Emergency medical services in the United Kingdom and various voluntary ambulance services in the United Kingdom.
The idea behind the Cycle Responder is to provide fast effective medical assistance to patients in areas where a traditional road ambulance would have difficulty accessing. Difficult access may be road congestion as in inner cities such as City of London, York and Leeds, or Pedestrian areas inside shopping precincts and airport terminals.
Taking up the traditional bobby on the bike, Police forces across the United Kingdom and internationally regularly deploy staff on bicycles.
Equipment
The equipment carried by Cycle Responders will vary depending upon role and the level to which the rider is trained. Typically the rear pannier will carry medical gases oxygen and entonox a pain relieving gas. Airway kits containing Oropharyngeal airways endotracheal airways and bag valve masks, high concentration oxygen masks. Dressing kits containing sterile dressings pads bandages and swabs etc. Where the rider is qualified they will carry a range of drugs and further ALS kit.
Training
Areas that employ Cycle Responders provide training to the International Police Mountain Bike Association (I.P.M.B.A.) standards. This training teaches riders how to maneuver in low speed areas, traffic and crowds.It also makes them aware of hazard avoidance techniques as well as observation and safety.