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June 27, 2019 (Fort Worth, TX) The W. 7th district has become a very popular venue for area residents to enjoy a night out with friends.
On Friday and Saturday nights, thousands of visitors and residents come to see and enjoy the entertainment venues in the blocks bordered by W. 7th, Bledsoe, University and Foch. The sheer numbers of visitors created a significant challenge getting emergency medical resources into the district for medical calls.
That is, until a unique partnership was formed between the bicycle teams from Fort Worth PD and MedStar.
The partnership was the brainchild of Lieutenant Fred Long and Commander Cynthia O’Neil, Fort Worth PD’s West Division Commander. “Our bicycle officers were dealing with the logistics of trying to get MedStar and the fire department into this area for medical calls, either when people called 9-1-1, or when officers wanted someone to be evaluated for a medical or trauma incident. MedStar has a well-established bicycle medic team, so we felt it would be valuable to invite the MedStar bike medics to pair side-by-side with our bike officers” said Commander O’Neil.
Since the program was initiated in September of 2018, bicycle medics have treated 55 patients, reduced ambulance responses into the district by 27.5% and fire department medical responses by 64%. 41 patients have been treated by the bike medics without the need to have any other response into the district.
“This is an exceptionally valuable partnership for both MedStar and the visitors to W. 7th. For major medical calls, the bike medics can be on scene in minutes to begin lifesaving care. For minor medical issues, they can treat the patient and help them get follow-up care without the need to respond an ambulance into that highly congested area” explains Doug Hooten, MedStar’s CEO.
The Fort Worth PD//MedStar partnership operates on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm to 3am all year long.
Fort Worth PD/MedStar Bicycle Medic Partnership on W. 7th – Outcomes
Ambulance responses into the W. 7th district on Friday and Saturday nights have decreased 27.5%
FD Responses have decreased 64%
Led to significant enhancement of patron safety and medical care
And, kept ambulances and fire engines available for other responses
