  Paramedic Motor Unit
The City of Pittsburgh EMS established a Motor Medic Program in July 1999 to be utilized during mass gathering events, sporting events and periods which normal traffic flow is obstructed. By utilizing motorcycles equipped with Advanced Life Support capabilities, our service has been able to respond to patients in a timelier manner and begin treatment until a transport unit arrives. An additional benefit is that the Motor Medics can disregard a transport unit when one is not needed – keeping the unit out of the congested areas and available for response where needed.
Vehicles
The City of Pittsburgh EMS utilizes two (2) 2005 Harley Davidson Road King motorcycles complete with saddle bags and tour packs. These are the same motorcycles which our police have utilized before their new editions and have proven reliable and durable.
Equipment:
Each Motor Medic cycle is equipped with the following: Phillips Heart Start EKG monitor / defibrillator with blood pressure monitoring, pulse oximetry and capnography. “D” oxygen cylinder with non-rebreather mask, nasal cannula and medication nebulizer. BVM with assorted mask sizes, oral and nasal airways. Hand powered suction. Intubation kits with assorted blades and tube sizes. Medication bag. IV start kit with IV fluids. Glucometer. Soft Tissue injury supplies Blood pressure cuff (manual) and stethoscope. Triage tags. “Cool It” OC decontamination spray. Clip board for documentation and refusal forms. Traffic Safety Vest
Personal Safety Equipment
Each Motor Medic is equipped with their own Seer Motorcycle helmet with communication gear, High visibility orange rain coat and pants.
Training
Starting in 2007, Motor Medic trainees receive eighty (80) hours of training prior to becoming certified. The training is conducted by the City of Pittsburgh Police Traffic Division who has a well established training program with their cycle officers. Candidates are highly encouraged to take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation class prior to applying for the Motor Medic Class.
The training has strong emphasis on slow speed maneuvering – since the motor medics will eventually be working in this environment. Along with the exercises below, instruction in: formation riding, night riding, counter-steering,
off-road, using motorcycle for cover in tactical situations, riding with obstacles.
Training exercises include:
140 degree pull out to left and right
Offset cone weave
Double 360 degree
"Iron Cross" aka "Intersection"
Slow cone weave
"Snow man"
30 mph cone weave
30 mph evade and escape
30 mph quick reaction
The final testing is a sequential running of all these exercises, and must pass with a 90% or above.
There is an initial pre-test to establish basic riding ability, and a test at the end of first
week which the trainee must have a 70 or above to continue.
Utilization in the City of Pittsburgh Motor Medics have been utilized for a number of different events since the inception of the program. These include:
Pittsburgh Great Race Fourth of July Celebration Pittsburgh Marathon Three Rivers Regatta Pittsburgh Steelers Pitt Panthers Pittsburgh Pirates Local community foot races Dignitary funerals
Motor Medics may also be placed in service if there is extra man power on a daily schedule (weather permitting).
Personnel
These paramedics work Medic Units and Rescue trucks in the City of Pittsburgh and bid for the events which require Motor Medics. Crew Chief Steve, Medic 5105 Paramedic Wally, RETIRED Paramedic Tom, Medic 5202 Crew Chief Wes, Rescue 5201 Crew Chief Jack, Medic 5104 Crew Chief Randy, Medic 5112 Crew Chief Mark, Medic 5112 Paramedic James, Rescue 5201 Paramedic Dave, Rescue 5202 Crew Chief Jeff, Medic 5108 Paramedic Mike, Rescue 5201 Paramedic Mike, Medic 5103 Crew Chief Jerry, Medic 5110 Paramedic Jeffrey, Medic 5102 Paramedic Gregg, Medic 5103 Crew Chief Brian, Medic 5114 Paramedic Jeff, Rescue 5201 Crew Chief Mike, Medic 5103 Crew Chief James, Medic 5103 |
