Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Co. of Newark recently held a day-long training session for the members of the Aetna and the University of Delaware Emergency Care Unit emergency medical services (EMS) bike teams.

Liz Bradish, Aetna EMS bike team coordinator, said team members patrol large-scale events that have the potential to attract thousands of pedestrian visitors. Some of the events Aetna EMS covers include UD football games, Commencement, Newark Night, Newark Community Day and UD move-in and move-out weekends.

"Our bike teams afford us greater mobility through crowds. We have quicker response times to medical incidents in areas where our ambulances would be delayed by crowds,” Bradish said, adding, “We also deploy our bike teams for patients in large rural areas such as the White Creek State Park and along the Pomeroy and James Hall Trails."

Bradish explained that the EMS bike teams are made up of two EMTs riding Trek brand mountain bikes. The Bikes are outfitted with quick release medical bags that include equipment for both medical and trauma incidents.

The training event was moderated by Mike Schusteritsch, a mountain bike instructor. Schusteritsch said the goal of the training was to give both experienced and new bike team members basic safety techniques.  

The classroom lecture covered pre-event planning, inspection of the bikes, and the loading and securing of EMS equipment. The lecture also included tips for the rapid deployment of resources into rural areas.

Schusteritsch led the class in riding techniques for work at large crowd events. The drills included slow speed movement through crowds, emergency turning, emergency braking, ascending and descending outside steps and personal safety for aggressive patients.

John H. Farrell IV, spokesman for Aetna, said the EMS bike teams are yet another way the fire department and UD Emergency Care Unit protect and serve the Greater Newark area.

"While providing fire, rescue and EMS services, we have units in each section of the fire department that provide specialized services to our residents,” Farrell said. “Our motto is ‘Service for Others,’ and our EMS bike team enhances our delivery of emergency medical service."

Fire Chief Drew Bowerson said he fully supports the role of the EMS bike teams and is proud of their efforts. He said he looks forward to expanding the role and scope of the teams, adding that the fire department is planning ongoing training for the bike teams this year.