The History of the Daytona Beach Fire Department Motorcycle Medic Team
The Motor Medic Program began at the Daytona Beach Fire Department in 1994 as a pilot program with 5 riders and 2 surplus Kawasaki KZ1000 Police motorcycles. Due to traffic congestion created by special events in our city (Biketoberfest, Speed Weeks, Bike Week, Springbreak, and Black College Reunion) fire/rescue apparatus response was hindered by pedestrain and motor vehicle gridlock. Motor Medics were a logical choice to reduce response times and improve service to our visitors and residents. Response times have decreased from 8-10 minutes to 2-3 minutes range using this innovative program.
Team members must complete a rigorous police motorcycle training school. We currently have seventeen team members and five Harley-Davidson FLHPI Road King motorcycles.
Motor Medics ride in pairs. One motorcycle is equipped with a complete line of advance life support equipment, including a heart monitor/defibrillator/pacer, cardiac medications, IV’s oxygen and, the other motorcycle is equipped for trauma.
The Daytona Beach Fire Department Motor Medics have become an enormous success. The program has been featured on national television and numerous international magazines. What started out as a pilot program, is now the standard recognized by other agencies interested in providing similar service.
Information and Photos provided by the Daytona Beach, FL Fire Department