Bike Team

Gold Cross EMS Bicycle Team

Mission: The Gold Cross EMS Bike Team provides ALS level emergency medical services support during large gatherings and special events and serves as a mechanism for ongoing public relations.

The primary function of the team is to provide EMS services during special events within the three counties for which we serve (Columbia County, Richmond County, and Jefferson County). Our contracted counties host numerous events throughout the year that draw very large crowds, including parades, holiday festivals, special walks/runs, and many other events. It is not uncommon for these events to draw thousands of people. As a result, ambulance access to patients is limited, which can significantly increase response times to a person in need. Gold Cross EMS Bike Teams, however, are able to quickly access patients in crowded, hard- to- reach areas, normally in less than four minutes. We patrol in two person teams and each team carries airway supplies, bandaging supplies, an AED, oxygen, and emergency medications.

The bike team consists of eleven members; three Paramedics and eight EMT Intermediates licensed by the State of Georgia Office of EMS/Trauma. The team utilizes 24-speed, 26-inch TREK and Smith & Wesson mountain bicycles. Each bike is outfitted with emergency lighting, trunk and pannier bags, as well as bike to bike communications.

Team members are required to complete classroom training in health, safety, bike repair, and patient assessment/treatment. The team also completes road training exercises throughout the year on multi-use paths and obstacles. During training, members are equipped and reviewed based on patients they may encounter. Members can easily be identified by their marked bicycles and their yellow and navy blue uniforms with reflective lettering identifying them as Gold Cross Bike Medics.

If you have any questions about the EMS Bike Team, please contact Capt. John Smith at jsmith@goldcrossems.com.