Canadian Paramedics to use Segways

[Kyle]

Here is an article in a EMS and Fire Trade magizine I recieved today:
I wish my department would let us use segways responding to 911 calls.

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/...0-3ee8eb7af467


Edmonton EMS gets leg up as municipality rolls out Segways
Sara DittaEdmonton Journal

Wednesday, July 16, 2008


Edmonton JournalEdmonton EMS personnel will be the first municipal emergency workers in Canada to use Segways, above.Edmonton's paramedics are going to be the first in Canada to use Segways on the job.
"They're very new," said Stu Williams, with the city's Emergency Medical Services. "The majority of people haven't seen them."
Paramedics riding the two-wheeled, self-balancing transportation devices can see above the crowds and manoeuvre through them very easily, Williams said.
Edmontonians will see paramedics on Segways for the first time at this week's Capital Ex parade. The vehicles were first used during last summer's Indy car race.
As a pilot project, two have since been purchased by the EMS at $6,000 apiece, and about 10 paramedics have been trained to use them.
They each carry different equipment to deal with emergencies, including medication and a defibrillator.
Chris Szydlowski, who sells Segways at West Edmonton Mall, said the vehicle's fuel efficiency is another asset. Segways can run for 38 kilometres on one battery charge, which can last for hours.
Paramedic Robb Watt has ridden a Segway during past events and said it was very quick in emergencies.
They work best in crowd situations, while bikes are better for covering distances, he said.
"(Segways) can turn on a dime and do a 180 in a second."

© The Calgary Herald 2008