With mobility increasingly challenged by heavy traffic and large crowds in the community, South Haven Area Emergency Services personnel have gained new wheels thanks to a grant from the community’s Albermarle Corporation Foundation which has paved the way for new bicycles for some of the first responders to more quickly arrive into congested areas to render care.
Authorities say that the growing popularity of South Haven as a destination community that typically draws large crowds for special events also gives rise to the challenge for responders who need to render care when an emergency occurs. That concern has led to the acquisition of bikes to be used by SHAES personnel, especially during the busy summer weekends when high traffic areas are difficult to navigate.
The idea for acquiring the bikes came about before the current COVID pandemic which this summer has reduced the number of traditional events and the acquisition of the bikes was slowed because of supply-chain issues.
Department Chief Brandon Hinz says, “We’ll use them these remaining summer weeks,” and adds, “People will see our staff along the beaches or in the downtown area and we’ll be ready for 2021 when things return to normal.”
The purchase of the bikes and first aid equipment to be used by the responders was made possible by a grant from the Albemarle Corporation Foundation through its employee philanthropic initiative program. The grant also funded the purchase of water rescue equipment for the department’s paid-on-call staff.
The bikes were acquired through Rock ‘N’ Road Cycle of South Haven.
Hinz says, “We are grateful to owner Scott Zoet and his staff for helping identify the right bike and equipment for this purpose.”
The bikes are equipped with a jump kit that contains first aid equipment to be used until SHAES ambulance personnel arrive at the scene of an emergency.
Pictured on the bikes in the photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market are SHAES first responders Zach Kenreich and Dawn Hinz at South Beach. The photos are courtesy of Tom Renner.
