News Summary
The Providence Fire Department is reinstating its Emergency Medical Services Bicycle Program to improve public health and safety in downtown Providence. Announced by Mayor Brett Smiley and department officials, the program aims to directly address community health needs by providing immediate medical assistance, distributing resources, and promoting public education about health services. Staffed by trained firefighters, the program will operate weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., helping to reduce the burden on traditional ambulance services and enhancing community engagement.
Providence, R.I. – The Providence Fire Department is reinstating its Emergency Medical Services Bicycle Program in the downtown area to enhance public health and safety. Mayor Brett Smiley, along with Fire Department Chief Derek Silva and EMS Chief Zach Kenyon, announced the program’s return, emphasizing its significance in addressing community health needs.
The EMS Bicycle Program, which was first introduced as a pilot project from August to mid-October 2023, will be fully operational again. Staffed by trained firefighters, the program operates on weekdays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., specifically focused on high pedestrian traffic zones within the city. This initiative aims not only to provide medical assistance but also to facilitate emergency prevention and public education.
During its initial phase, the program effectively operated for four hours each weekday, responding to various health-related situations. The return of the program reflects a continued commitment to engage directly with the community by providing immediate care, distributing resources, and raising awareness about available health services.
The EMS Bicycle Program is designed to alleviate pressure from emergency medical services by addressing minor medical issues and public health concerns directly on the street. This helps to free up advanced life support rescues to respond to more critical calls. Fire Chief Derek Silva stated that the primary aim is to reduce the burden on ambulance services and improve overall response efficiency.
In addition to responding to medical emergencies, bicycle team members will distribute Narcan kits, which include nasal Narcan, gloves, and essential information regarding PVD Safe Stations. These stations provide support for individuals seeking recovery resources. Furthermore, EMS personnel will be equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), oxygen, intravenous supplies, and over-the-counter medications to deliver timely care.
Expanding on the pilot program, the current initiative includes additional bicycles to cover more routes, reaching areas such as Broad Street, Atwells Avenue, Hope Street, and North Main Street. This strategic expansion particularly caters to large gatherings and events, where immediate medical attention may be required.
Data from 2022 indicates that the Providence Fire Department received more than 24,118 Advanced Life Support (ALS) calls. However, this number decreased to 22,632 in 2023, marking a significant reduction of 15%. The implementation of the EMS Bicycle Program is part of the department’s broader strategy to manage these calls more effectively.
Firefighter William Garcia outlined the operational advantages of the bicycle response team, such as enhanced accessibility and the opportunity for firefighters to interact more closely with the public. The program fosters public education about the various resources and services available, promoting a broader understanding of the firefighters’ roles beyond traditional emergency responses.
The reinstatement of the Emergency Medical Services Bicycle Program signifies a proactive approach to urban health challenges in Providence. As the city continues to grow and evolve, the provision of accessible, on-the-ground healthcare resources remains vital in ensuring the well-being of all residents and visitors.
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Additional Resources
- ABC6: Emergency Medical Services Bicycle Program Returns to Providence
- Providence Journal: Firefighters Riding to Emergencies on Bicycles
- Turn to 10: EMS Bike Unit Expands Service Area
- JEMS: Providence, RI Rolls with New EMS Bike Unit
- WPRI: Providence Fire Department Expands EMS Bike Detail
- Wikipedia: Emergency Medical Services
- Google Search: Providence Fire Department
- Google Scholar: Emergency Medical Services in Rhode Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Paramedic
- Google News: Providence Fire Department EMS Bike Unit
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
