Medical emergency motorcycles: are they safe?

Abstract

MEMs can impart a quick and efficient response to EMS services in urban areas, if managed with acceptable levels of safety. Defensive driving courses as well as correct use of personal protective equipment can improve security.

The impact of an emergency motorcycle response vehicle on prehospital care in an urban area

“…A special concern relating to the use of an MRV is that of safety of the paramedic and this has been mentioned in a couple of the published studies [2,3,7]. This study was not designed to look at paramedic safety, however, during this time there was one fall without injury (0.2% accident rate).…”

“…In the only study to focus on paramedic safety; in 3626 runs over a 2.5-year period there were three injured drivers [7].…”

Fuel Use in a Large, Dynamically Deployed Emergency Medical Services System

“…Papers evaluating the role of motorcycles in EMS have identified decreased response times 24 and added value particularly in life-threatening situations and for calls in which there was an uncertain need for an ambulance 25 . With proper training, safety does not appear to be a significant concern 26 . There are fewer reports of EMS organizations using “green” ambulances that increase fuel efficiency, 12 and/or ambulance modification to run on alternative fuels, 13, 27 but no systematic studies of impacts of such modifications on mission critical outcomes, costs, and fleet performance over time.…”

Petroleum and Health Care: Evaluating and Managing Health Care's Vulnerability to Petroleum Supply Shifts

“…Replacing some firstresponder vehicles with motorcycles can improve response time 87,88 but must be balanced against the safety of EMS personnel. 89 Another important consideration is the life-cycle energy cost associated with replacing a vehicle fleet and making other significant infrastructure changes. Throughout the process, it is important to note that adaptive management is an iterative process, and more ambitious management options can be deferred if appropriate.…”