Gulf Coast EMS Cycling, a component of the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride
Posted by ajmoreland
About Gulf Coast EMS Cycling
In the panhandle of beautiful Florida lies a group of EMS cycle enthusiasts that are spreading the word of EMS Line of Duty Death awareness, EMS career awareness, and health awareness. The club maintains group rides throughout the year while participating in charity rides, most notably the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride. The club has representitives from several public service agencys including EMS and Fire in the couty, federal, and private sectors.
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 former home of the EMS National Memorial. This year the ride begins in South Portland, ME, or Lexington, KY and concludes eight days & 600 miles later in Washington, D.C. 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, through seven states. 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. 2009 was a year of tremendous growth for the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride. Similar growth is expected in 2010, 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