Seattle Tries Motorcycle Paramedics

Seattle's mayor, Greg Nickels proposed a plan on how to get paramedics to an emergency scene in much faster time: put them on Harleys.

With the town in the midst of a population boom, construction, and congestion, it's becoming harder for four-wheeled emergency vehicles to get through.

Dubbed, "Motorcycle Medics", it'll be similar to other motorcycle paramedics in place in Miami, Pittsburgh, and other cities.

Obviously, these bikes can't transport patients, but they can administer first aid, carry defibrilators, and act as efficient "first responders".

The beauty of these is speed. They don't necessarily have to administer care either, they can just evaluate the situation, and decide if it's necessary to get a transport out there.

The city will actually lease four motorcycles during the pilot program under a budget of $570,000. That compares with the standard medic one unit that costs $1.3 million per year.

Read more about this on Seattle KING5.com...
http://www.king5.com/....seattle_motorcycle_medics_TP.c929766b.html