Northwest Florida EMS Bike Team, a component of the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride
Posted by ajmoreland
National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, Inc © Image by Steve Berry
About the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride
The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride is a National ride to honor the lives of EMS heroes. The ride was established in 2001 and began in Boston, MA and ended in Roanoke, VA, the current home of the EMS National Memorial. Today the ride begins in New York City, NY, or Lexington, KY and concludes seven days & 600 miles later in Roanoke, VA. The ride participants ride among the most beautiful and scenic countryside, as well as through the urban streets of New York City and Washington, DC. Most nights, local rescue squads treat the riders to dinner. This is a highlight for the riders - the fellowship among the riders and hosting stations is inspirational to riders and hosts alike. The day after the ride, in Roanoke, the riders attend the National EMS Memorial Service to honor EMTs and Paramedics who have lost their lives in the line of duty. 2008 was a year of tremendous growth for the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride. Similar growth is expected in 2009, with ridership estimates running to 150 or more riders.
The pseudonym, “Muddy Angels” was given to the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride. Our mission is:
The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, Inc. honors Emergency Medical Services personnel by
organizing and implementing long distance cycling events that memorialize and celebrate the lives of those who serve every day, those who have become sick or injured while performing their duties, and those who have died in the line of duty.
The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, Inc. honors Emergency Medical Services personnel by
organizing and implementing long distance cycling events that memorialize and celebrate the lives of those who serve every day, those who have become sick or injured while performing their duties, and those who have died in the line of duty.
The vision of the NEMSMBR is to see recognition of EMS as a profession, a reduction in debilitating injuries and LODD in EMS and a national EMS accountability system. It is our hope that these events will focus attention on the accomplishments of all EMS personnel, and educate the community at large about the need for improved safety standards, injury prevention, disability tracking and death benefits for EMS personnel and their families.
Objectives of the NEMSMBR:
- Remember EMS workers who have died in the line of duty
- Raise public awareness about line of duty deaths and disabilities in the EMS profession
- Honor EMS workers who continue to work despite dangerous safety conditions
- Advocate for a national tracking of injuries, near misses and a line of duty deaths in EMS
- Provide a safe, friendly and supportive environment for registered participants to bicycle
- Promote healthy lifestyles for EMS providers through physical activity and nutrition