Special medics saddle up for Sukma

NST: KUALA TERENGGANU: They are an unusual looking lot of paramedics with their cycling helmets, elbow pads and bicycles.
But the additions that seem out of place are integral to their duties at the 12th Sukan Malaysia (Sukma) games here.
The equipment is to aid the four paramedics -- members of a mobile clinic -- race to the scene of injuries during the games, which began yesterday and end on June 9.
The team is said to be the second of its kind to be formed in the country. The first bicycle team was formed at Kuala Lumpur Hospital two years ago.
Comprising staff of Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital here, they will be the first to respond to medical emergencies and also be responsible for medical surveillance.
State Health director Dr Nordiyanah Hassan said the team would remain after Sukma for other events like the Monsoon Cup or the World Endurance Championship later this year.
"The paramedics will be able to manoeuvre better through crowds on their mountain bikes and go to places an ambulance can't reach.
"Getting to a scene as soon as possible can make a lot of difference," she said after launching the team at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin stadium.
She said the number of paramedics involved might be increased, depending on the need.
Dr Nordiyanah said paramedics on bicycles had proven effective in countries like Britain and Australia.
The mountain bikes are equipped with, among others, an automated external defibrillator, respiratory equipment and drugs.