NSW Ambulance Paramedic Motorcyclists

[Sicman]

Here is a link to an interesting article written by an old instructor of mine. He is now running his own private rider training school and is currently teaching Vic Ambulance Paramedics as they have recently set up a motorcycle unit --

http://observationsofaperpetualmotorcyclist.com/2013/05/05/ambulance-motorcycles-but-where-do-you-put-the-patient/


Cheers

 

[StinkyPete]

Nice write-up Tony.

[Marcus]

Where do I sign up?

[Sicman]

I will put your name on the list right behind mine 
 

[Biggles]

I'm surprised it's only 2 or 3 minutes faster than a car in traffic.  That's an average, I guess, but for places like the harbour bridge, it might be 10 minutes.
On my way up the M1 last night they were resurfacing 4 of the 5 lanes.  Imagine all the Sunday evening traffic (hundreds of cars) trying to merge to one lane.  The back-up was horrible.  I managed to get over to the left and shot up over an exit-entry to save at least 300 metres of gridlock and merge near the end of the roadworks.  A bike ambulance can do the same stuff and beat the traffic every time.

[Sicman]

That 2 or 3 minutes is matched against other response vehicles - It depends on the part of the city, road width, current usage - vehicular or pedestrian, lane ways available for use to access patient etc - The tighter the access for a vehicle the better the response time by motorcycle.
Response times for both vehicle and motorbike are governed also by the amount of times you need to slow and check its safe to cross intersections especially against the red lights or stop signs etc

I have worked as backup to the motorcycle Paramedics and have seen some great saves in the following areas:- cardiac arrest, stabbings, suicidal patients. That initial response of 2-3 minutes can make the difference between life and the other outcome 

Cheers
 

[Whizz]

If I am in the unpleasant situation of having my heart stop and a medic arrives on a motorbike at the time it does, I would be only too pleased to see him rather than wait for the medic in the ambulance who may not arrive for the another 2 minutes in which my heart is not doing anything useful!! The thing to remember in these life-threatening situations is that seconds can the difference between life and death, and 120 (2 minutes worth) of them are not to be played with!!!

 

[Sabie]

Having worked in an emergency service I see great potential and advantages in this kind of service. A little short sighted about where to put the patient.... Initial stabilisation and pre-hospital care.... Brilliant...

[Sicman]

Most times Sabie they have the patient sit or lay down on the ground and treat them there so it negates the need of having somewhere for them on the bike, Until the big truck arrives 

 

[Skip]

A subject close to my heart. ( pun intended ) I have to agree every second is critical in some cases.  I'd be very happy for my taxes to fund this service.
My thanks goes out to all the guys and gals in the Ambulance Service. 
Cheers.
Skip.

[bloodbikes]

This is similar to what I want to set up in the West and Natman wants to set up over East, following in the lines of the acclaimed National Association of Blood Bikesin the UK, carrying vital blood, plasma, transplants, baby milk, stem cells to hospitals, accidents, medical centres on an after hours basis, 6pm to 6am, 7 days a week, operating by charity status thus costing the Australian Health Authorities no extra expenses incurred by using taxis, or couriers.
If your interested in helping getting this venture off the ground, usually cover is provided by members a couple nights per week.  It would be good to involve other non OZSTOC members as its about the service not what motorcycle you ride. lets start building a list of people who wish to volunteer some time.
Thanks

 

[ST2UP]

I'm surprised it's only 2 or 3 minutes faster than a car in traffic.  That's an average, I guess, but for places like the harbour bridge, it might be 10 minutes.
On my way up the M1 last night they were resurfacing 4 of the 5 lanes.  Imagine all the Sunday evening traffic (hundreds of cars) trying to merge to one lane.  The back-up was horrible.  I managed to get over to the left and shot up over an exit-entry to save at least 300 metres of gridlock and merge near the end of the roadworks.  A bike ambulance can do the same stuff and beat the traffic every time.

It is amazing even in a Operational Emergency Service vehicle how you can manipulate MOVING traffic and make holes where holes don't exist and shave substantial time of a response to an incident......where the cycles really come into play is stationary traffic, using narrow back alley's and cutting across parks from street to street.....having said that they don't like hopping medium strips LOL.  (you had to be there)

Although it sounds glamorous its potential for stacks is very high......attend the Cycle down a couple of time when working in Sydney in the early 90's......with a good outcome due to their high level of training and skill of the Officer..... the BM trouble you needed a doctor though. 

 

[ST2UP]

An interesting link if you would like to see the world from the riders seat of a Paramedic Motorcycle in Sydney's CBD.....it's a Feejeer but hey it's not a perfect world. 

Enjoy.....

Behind in the scenes with the Motorcycle paramedics

[Bluey]

I wish we had been using bikes in Melbourne, back when I was an ambo. The 351 c.i. Ford F100's were a great vehicle, but a bike would have been better for some work.

[ST2UP]

I wish we had been using bikes in Melbourne, back when I was an ambo. The 351 c.i. Ford F100's were a great vehicle, but a bike would have been better for some work.

I cried buckets when they took my "F" Truck away......

Then gave us Merc's and Dack Dacks.......and still the tears flow 

[Neale]

And the way that this government is going, you'll be on a skateboard in no time.

[Gatey]

I noticed Simon had to open the lid to use the radio...seems a bit of a hindrance when these guys have their hands full as it is.

[Greencan]

I cried buckets when they took my "F" Truck away......

...personally, glad to see the back of em (City Branch '88), no power steering, noisy, etc etc...quite liked the Sprinters when they turned up ...but hey, each to their own:-)

Ciao, the can :-)

[Sicman]

Yeh the F trucks kept overheating in the end and were spending more time in the workshop than out on the road. The twin tanks didnt get you real far when the truck was going flat knacker

Cheers
 

[Sabie]

Most times Sabie they have the patient sit or lay down on the ground and treat them there so it negates the need of having somewhere for them on the bike, Until the big truck arrives 

 

Sorry Tony, I'm saying that the people who are critical about patient transport on the bike are being small minded.... I support the concept and can definitely see the advantages.

[Sabie]

I'm surprised it's only 2 or 3 minutes faster than a car in traffic.  That's an average, I guess, but for places like the harbour bridge, it might be 10 minutes.
On my way up the M1 last night they were resurfacing 4 of the 5 lanes.  Imagine all the Sunday evening traffic (hundreds of cars) trying to merge to one lane.  The back-up was horrible.  I managed to get over to the left and shot up over an exit-entry to save at least 300 metres of gridlock and merge near the end of the roadworks.  A bike ambulance can do the same stuff and beat the traffic every time.

It is amazing even in a Operational Emergency Service vehicle how you can manipulate MOVING traffic and make holes where holes don't exist and shave substantial time of a response to an incident......where the cycles really come into play is stationary traffic, using narrow back alley's and cutting across parks from street to street.....having said that they don't like hopping medium strips LOL.  (you had to be there)

Although it sounds glamorous its potential for stacks is very high......attend the Cycle down a couple of time when working in Sydney in the early 90's......with a good outcome due to their high level of training and skill of the Officer..... the BM trouble you needed a doctor though. 

 

You want to try it in a Fire Truck... They tell you not to be aggressive but it the only way to make them move sometimes.

The turn right lane is often put to good use to go around traffic.

As for Motorbikes crashes....I've had to wash the road more times than i'd have liked.....

[Marcus]

This is similar to what I want to set up in the West and Natman wants to set up over East, following in the lines of the acclaimed National Association of Blood Bikesin the UK, carrying vital blood, plasma, transplants, baby milk, stem cells to hospitals, accidents, medical centres on an after hours basis, 6pm to 6am, 7 days a week, operating by charity status thus costing the Australian Health Authorities no extra expenses incurred by using taxis, or couriers.
If your interested in helping getting this venture off the ground, usually cover is provided by members a couple nights per week.  It would be good to involve other non OZSTOC members as its about the service not what motorcycle you ride. lets start building a list of people who wish to volunteer some time.
Thanks

 

That sounds like a great venture