Texas medics to ride to motorists’ aid

In Austin, Texas, the folks that save your like in a crash may just be SOBs.

According to the Austin Statesman newspaper, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services are using motors to get to calls that require traveling clotted Interstate 35 through downtown Austin.

The agency has used cycles for special events in the past.

Putting the paramedics on motors means that rush-hour roadblocks that keep ambulances from getting to scenes won't prevent medical help. The Band-Aid bikers can get to a scene often five minutes or more quicker than the ambulances, officials told the newspaper.

The bikes are BMW GS 650 GSP bikes designed for police work and are  stocked with cardiac defibrillators, medications, bandages, splints and blood pressure monitors and other items.