AMBULANCE paramedics today unveiled their masterplan to beat Christmas traffic queues in Birmingham - the humble bicycle.
They are resorting to a two-wheeled ambulance in a bid to beat congestion and save lives.
Complete with a siren and flashing blue lights, the bikes were unveiled by West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust at the Bullring today.
Paramedics are hoping pedal power will help to beat traffic delays and slash minutes off journeys as they cycle to the rescue of the injured or sick in shopping and pedestrian areas.
The bike, known as the Cycle Response Unit, will also carry a defibrilator, vital drugs and a puncture kit.
It is the first scheme of its kind in the West Midlands and comes after similar initiatives have already proved successful in London, Manchester, York and Leeds.
Andy Smith, who will be based alongside paramedics at Hockley ambulance station, said: "I will be first on the scene in situations where ambulances find it difficult to get to the patient."
West Midlands Ambulance Service chief executive officer Anthony Marsh said he hoped the bikes would also help save the planet by proving an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional, fuel consuming ambulances.
"I believe it is much quicker for the Cycle Response Unit to get to pedestrian areas to treat patients, especially during the busy Christmas period when the city centre is very crowded," he added.
Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Coun Mike Sharpe, was officially launching the scheme today. For more information log onto www.wmas.nhs.uk.
