Unfortunately, there are some places that an ambulance just can’t go.

Large pedestrian gatherings such as county fairs, parades, and other community events sometimes make it difficult for emergency response vehicles to maneuver at speeds necessary during a crisis.

But Gordon EMS, a service of Gordon Hospital, plans to alleviate that obstacle through the newly-formed Gordon EMS Bike Team.

“The Gordon EMS Bike Team will be able to access patients in hard-to-reach areas to provide initial – and sometimes critical - emergency medical care,” says Courtney Taylor, director of Gordon EMS. “This is an area of service that we’ve long recognized as a need in our community and we thank the Gordon Hospital administration team for making our dream a reality.”

Four specially-equipped hybrid-style bicycles, complete with flashing lights and sirens, were purchased from Marcus Palazzolo of Cherokee Cycles, located in Downtown Calhoun, and are ideal for mountain terrain as well as normal roads.

“It has been a pleasure working with the folks of Gordon EMS in securing the bikes necessary to do their jobs,” Palazzolo says. “Now it’s our job to make sure the bikes are kept in perfect working order so that they can best benefit the residents of Gordon County.”

In addition to Taylor, members of the Gordon EMS Bike Team include Team Leader Derek Harp, Woodrow Davis, and Marcus Desmond. All are current Gordon EMS providers who worked diligently to bring the team to fruition.

“Our team is committed to providing the best emergency response service possible for any large gathering in our community,” says Harp. “We are excited to be able to offer this much-needed service to Gordon County and plan to expand the team to include more EMS personnel as we move forward.”

Each member of the bike team will carry a variety of basic and advanced life support equipment, including automatic external defibrillators, basic bandaging and first aid supplies, oxygen, IVs and medications, and advanced airway equipment.

“Ensuring that we can get emergency medical help more quickly to persons in need is very important to us,” says Gordon Hospital Chief Operating Officer Steve Hannah. “Gordon Hospital is pleased to be a part of this vital service to our community.”

For questions about the Gordon EMS Bike Team or to request them at your next event, please contact Gordon EMS by calling 706-602-7800, ext. 2387.