YORK’S cycling paramedics have received a new bicycle to allow them to respond quickly to emergencies in the city.

Cycle Heaven has provided the fully equipped paramedic bicycles since the Yorkshire Ambulance Service launched its York Cycle Response Unit in May 2001.

The bikes weigh 40 kg when fully laden and include a small defibrillator, airway management kit, dressings, certain drug treatments and an observation kit to monitor blood pressure and blood sugar.

In 2009, the unit recorded an average response time of 3.8 minutes, beating the national standard of eight minutes, said Craig Barley, a paramedic for Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

Craig is entering his sixth year as a cycling paramedic covering York. He said the team of eight regular cycling paramedics, always hits its response target and can attend up to ten calls in one shift.

Since the unit was set up in May 2001, Cycle Heaven has provided five bicycles free of charge to the services, as well as free parts and servicing. Andy Shrimpton, of Cycle Heaven said. “It’s a really good demonstration of how useful bikes are and that they really are the quickest way to get around town.”