Early in 2001, the hospital’s Mobile Intensive Care Unit developed a Special Operations Division. The concept was to create a team of specially trained Paramedics to manage medical operations during large-scale incidences and events. The Special Operations Team provides advanced life support and medical protection to law enforcement agencies, fire departments, hazardous materials teams, emergency medical services personnel and the community at large scale events. In September 2001 our MICU Special Operations Team played a valuable and important role in the tragic events in and around ground zero in New York City.
The Underwood-Memorial Hospital Bike Team is a component of the Special Operations Team and is comprised of specially trained paramedics who attend community events. Each event is supported by at least two members of the team who are available to cover a larger area on bikes to provide immediate care. The team assesses and stabilizes patients in preparation for local ambulance crews and Mobile Intensive Care Units to transport patients to local hospitals. The Special Operations Team continually prepares to meet the ever-changing demands faced by emergency management organizations today.