Sterling Rescue was honored to provide three specialized bicycle teams in support of this year’s National Fourth of July Celebration in Washington, DC, on the National Mall.

Each of the three bicycle teams were comprised of two volunteer paramedics or emergency medical technicians (EMTs) trained to respond to a full range of medical emergencies and traumatic injuries. The bicycles are highly customized and equipped with defibrillators and oxygen, as well as airway, bleeding control, and splinting devices.

Sterling Rescue’s bicycle teams patrolled the parade route during the National Independence Day Parade and the National Mall during the fireworks display. Our teams responded to multiple heat-related illnesses and other medical emergencies throughout the events.

“As EMTs, bicycles provide a critical capability to move quickly through crowds to reach patients that are not accessible by ambulance. Bicycles also allow us to proactively patrol and look for people who may be in distress but have not yet called 911,” said Scott Rein, a paramedic and bicycle team member with Sterling Rescue.

Additionally, Sterling Rescue’s bicycle teams were integrated into the unified command structure representing emergency and disaster response organizations from across the country. “With thousands of visitors on the National Mall, communication and coordination are crucial at the federal, state, and local levels. We were proud to work closely with the National Park Service, US Park Police, DC Fire and EMS, and other agencies to provide life-saving care,” said Lieutenant Michael Seppala, Sterling Rescue’s bicycle team leader for the event.

Want to join a great team and support your community? Sterling Rescue now has openings for both operational and administrative volunteers. No experience is required, and training is provided. See the Join section of this website for more details on the requirements, expectations, and benefits. Come join us! https://sterlingrescue.org/join/