Bicycle Emergency Response Team ( BERT )

Implemented in 1993, Cary Area EMS’s Bicycle Emergency Response Team (BERT) was the original BERT in Wake County and has been the model for several other Bike Teams in the area. Originally started as part of Cary Area EMS’ Special Events program to handle responses at large events such as Cary’s Lazy Days Festival, Jimmy V Golf Tournament and Fourth of July festivities, various triathlons and marathons, it is now being used to patrol areas of congestion, for example, Crossroads shopping center during the holiday rush.  As well, the program promotes safe bicycle riding and injury prevention to the public.  Cary Area EMS owns five Trek mountain bikes which are stored in a trailer with all equipment needed for a large gathering including extra ALS supplies and backboards.  Every team is equipped with an AED, first aid supplies, airway adjuncts, oxygen, and ALS supplies.

Whether you have 10,000 fans spread over an 18 hole golf course or 40,000 shoppers packed densely into a few city blocks, the typical EMS response is cumbersome at best.  With the implementation of the bicycle response team the goals of our agency may be accomplished in those unique settings.  Faced with limited access and increased liability, BERT allows both basic and ALS technicians to achieve a much quicker response time to reach the patient in a safe manner.  Ambulances that once struggled with difficult venues are now able to safely respond and stage in a more accessible area.  More timely response by BERT members will allow the quick assurance for patients and by-standers.  Knowing that a significant portion of dispatches are actually non-transport calls, BERT response will allow ambulances to return to service or be diverted to another more appropriate call.

All of these opportunities provide us the means to expose the public to safety issues while providing a necessary service that may not otherwise be possible given the venue. Those interested in learning more about BERT are encouraged to email us at biketeam@caryems.com. If you are interested in viewing the forms we use for our bike team see the list below.

1. Intermediate Team Checklist
2. Drugbag Checklist
3. Paramedic Team Checklist