Partnership on Two Wheels


Medical Reserve Corps --

Jan 14, 2008 --

Partnership on Two Wheels
How do you get medical supplies or personnel from point A to point B through traffic jams, flooded roads, or other hazards? Motorcycles can often go and go quickly where four-wheeled vehicles cannot. This is where the idea to enlist local motorcycle riders to volunteer their services to the MRC was born. Kane County Illinois Medical Reserve Corps and a local non-profit, Biker4Biker, have joined forces to recruit and train bikers to help the county in the event of a disaster. These volunteer bikers are now part of Kane County's new "Rescue Rider" program. This unique partnership was the brainchild of Patrick DeMoon, Kane County Medical Reserve Corps Coordinator. DeMoon felt there should be a way to get supplies to areas in need when roads are closed or blocked. Motorcycles, he thought, could be just the right vehicle to do the job. After reading a local newspaper article about the charitable organization Biker4Biker, a non-profit group which works to coordinate fund-raising efforts for area motorcyclists and their families in need of help, DeMoon contacted the group's founder, Dean Akey, with his idea. "What better group than bikers who are already helping people?" said DeMoon. Since the partnership formed, more than 30 local bikers have become MRC Rescue Riders volunteers. "It's a great way to attract non-traditional volunteers," said Akey. "These volunteers make the core group (MRC) more efficient." The riders have been trained in CPR, the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and first aid. They recently participated in the first Preparedness Run sponsored by the Kane County Medical Reserve Corps and Fox Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross.

"It's a great way to attract non-traditional volunteers," said Akey. "These volunteers make the core group (MRC) more efficient."

Modeled on "Poker Runs," participants of the Preparedness Run traveled to five stations where they were given an emergency preparedness-related task to complete. Once the task was completed successfully, the riders were given a playing card. At the end of the day, riders with the best poker hand won a prize. This event not only affirmed the first aid skills volunteers learned in earlier trainings and allowed them to practice navigating roads in a simulated emergency situation, but also proved to be a lot of fun. A second Preparedness Run in Kane County is planned for the spring of 2007.

"With over 6.6 million motorcycle owners and thousands of clubs nationwide, the Rescue Riders program has room to grow."

In addition to CPR and first aid, DeMoon is planning to train the Rescue Riders for crowd and traffic control duties to free up first responders in the event of an emergency. The Rescue Riders will be trained to help calm crowds and spot individuals who are in need of help. DeMoon is also working to map out where in the area the MRC Rescue Riders are living to be able to call on the nearest volunteers to respond to an emergency. With over 6.6 million motorcycle owners and thousands of clubs nationwide, the Rescue Riders program has room to grow. Similar programs are beginning in Illinois and New York and this program has the potential to be replicated by MRC units nationwide. If an MRC unit is interested in starting a similar program, DeMoon and Akey recommend first checking with existing volunteers to see if there are any interested riders. Local motorcycle dealerships are also a good contact to help find local clubs and organizations to partner with. For example, the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) has over 1,000,000 members in more than 1,000 chapters, each of which are sponsored by a local Harley-Davidson dealership. Similar groups exist for Yamaha and Honda riders. Then, set up a speaking engagement at a club meeting to promote the concept. As far as volunteer recruitment, Akey says the media is the biggest ally as they drive people to the Rescue Riders Web site and then to volunteer. The Kane County MRC Rescue Riders have been featured in both the ChicagoTribune and Chicago's Daily Herald newspaper. Within the next year DeMoon and Akey hope to develop a Rescue Riders training program template to be able to share with other organizations looking to start a similar program. When complete, this training guide will be available from the Rescue Riders organization. In the meantime, if your MRC unit would like more information, please visit the Rescue Riders Web site at www.rescueriders.org.