RESUMO
Introductions: Bicycles may be useful in the delivery of out-of-hospital emergency medical services. The use of bicycles in providing emergency medical services was investigated by surveying currently existing bicycles systems. Methods: Two questionnaires were developed to again information on service areas, injuries, gear used, missions and specific data from bicycles-medic response. Results: Of 210 surveys mailed to bicycle-medics, 21 (10
) were completed and returned by the pre-established deadline. Of returned by the pre-established deadline. Of 11 surveys mailed to bicyvle-medics supervisors, four (36
) were returned. Preliminary results showed that 76
of respondents are career providers and the remainder serve as volunteers. Conclusion: This survey begins to characterize the utilization of bicycles as a tool to gain patient access in specialized situations. The use of bicycle-medics may be cost-effective, may help to improve employee marale, and possibly reducee employee health-care costs. Further study is needed to determine the impact of bicycle-medics on patient outcomes and response times (AU)
