Medical Emergency Motorcycles: Are They Safe?

This article considers the use of medical emergency motorcycles (MEM), which can be used in crowded urban areas to provide emergency medical services more quickly than ambulances. The MEM are driven by emergency medical technicians (EMTs). The authors report on a prospective study conducted between July 2004 and January 2007 that included 3,626 MEM calls in a metropolitan system. The MEM responders use limited equipment to perform initial assessment and intervention, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), defibrillation, bleeding control, shock management, and immobilization of damaged limbs. The study analyzed the number of crashes, the proper use of the protective equipment available, and the type and severity of injuries sustained by the MEM drivers. There were 12 accidents during the study period, resulting in three injured MEM drivers; one was seriously injured and two received slight injuries. No fatality was registered. The slightly injured drivers, who experienced dental trauma and minor abrasion skin lesions, were not using their protective equipment properly. The authors conclude by calling for an increased emphasis on personal protective equipment during the mandatory defensive driving course that is required for all MEM drivers.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/09699546
• Authors:
  • Kiefe, Claudia C
  • Soares-Oliveira, Miguel
• Publication Date: 2008

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Photos; References;
• Pagination: pp 40-42
• Serial:
  • European Journal of Emergency Medicine
  • Volume: 15
  • Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
  • ISSN: 0969-9546

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash injuries; Driver education; Emergency medical technicians; Injury severity; Medical personnel; Medical treatment; Motorcycle helmets; Motorcycles; Protective clothing; Reflectorized materials; Risk assessment
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor; I84: Personal Injuries; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01103569
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 24 2008 11:42AM