FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:    Captain Dave Wheaton, Lee County Public Safety/EMS
                (941) 335-1661

FORT MYERS, Fla. (December 28, 2001) – A newly created bicycle team from Lee County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) can now provide quick, emergency response at large events – the first being the New Year’s Eve celebration Monday night in downtown Fort Myers.

The Lee County EMS Paramedic Bicycle Response Team has nine paramedics, including two supervisors. Lee County EMS has purchased four Trek 4300 mountain bikes and related equipment with a $9,375 grant from the Florida Department of Health and a $3,125 match from the county (for a total of $12,500). The state grant comes from the EMS Trust Fund, which collects revenues from traffic fines.

This program is not a new concept in EMS, but it will be the first such team in Southwest Florida. Two bikes have been outfitted and two more are in the process. The first two bikes will be on patrol at the New Year’s Eve block party in downtown Fort Myers Monday night.

The bikes have Nightrider lighting systems, and racks with panniers (saddlebags) to carry equipment. One bike will carry an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and the other will carry an oxygen system. All bikes will be equipped with assorted Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) supplies and equipment.

"The team is designed to work special details where large crowds are expected that could cause a potential delay in emergency response," says Capt. Dave Wheaton of Lee County EMS. "The bikes will be a little more nimble for getting into large crowds."

Lee County EMS plans to use the bikes at other major events, including the Edison Festival of Light.

Lee County EMS provides out-of-hospital advanced life support response and care to more than 54,000 citizens and visitors each year and also operates an air ambulance helicopter. Its annual budget is $21.4 million and it employs more than 200 people.

In February, EMS will celebrate its 30th Anniversary serving the residents and visitors of Lee County.

Note to Editors/Reporters: To get photos or footage of the bikes, two team members will be practicing today between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at EMS Headquarters, next to the Sheriff’s Office, 14752 Six Mile Cypress Parkway. Contact Dave Wheaton at the above number to coordinate.