By Bob Young
The Seattle Times

SEATTLE — Seattle Fire Department paramedics may soon be riding to the rescue on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Mayor Greg Nickels rolled out a proposal Wednesday that would put motorcycle medics on downtown streets in hopes they could zip through traffic snarls faster than ambulances and firetrucks.

"Our philosophy is simple. The best response is the fastest response," Nickels said. "Other cities like Miami and Pittsburgh have found motorcycles can move faster." The motorcycles could also fit into tight spaces that firetrucks couldn't after an earthquake, the mayor said.

Fire Chief Gregory Dean noted that rescue trucks get caught in downtown traffic no matter how loud their sirens blare. Congestion is expected to get worse downtown, with 63 miles of street construction scheduled in the next two years.

The Fire Department has seen a 46 percent increase in downtown medical emergency calls in the past seven years. Over the same time, medics stationed in North and South Seattle have had to come downtown more often to help with the demand for services.

"There are two prongs here the longer response time bringing medic units in, and we're leaving an area without medics," said department spokeswoman Helen Fitzgerald.

The mayor, the chief and paramedics acknowledged the safety risks of rescuers riding motorcycles on hilly, rain-slicked streets.

"We know intimately about the dangers because we've been responding to accidents," said Lt. Michael Barokas, a medical-services officer in the Fire Department.

But Barokas said medics, who would ride to patients on a pair of motorcycles under the proposal, would emphasize safety, knowing they can't help people unless they make it to the scene themselves. That means they wouldn't jump curbs or ride on sidewalks, he said.

Seattle motorcycle police ride downtown streets safely even during wet winters, he added. "It's very, very rare a police officer goes down."

Barokas also showcased an innovative piece of equipment medics would wear: an inflatable vest that would work like an air bag if a motorcycle went down.

The motorcycles would carry the same equipment as firetrucks except for stretchers, Barokas said.

The mayor's proposal calls for the city to conduct a two-year experiment with two motorcycles that would be on call from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. About 12 paramedics would be trained and deployed to the motorcycle teams.

The demonstration project would cost $570,000 a year, including the expense of leasing four motorcycles, Nickels said. He has added the new costs to a budget proposal he expects to give the City Council on Monday. A standard medic truck costs $1.3 million a year to operate.

"I haven't counted votes yet, but we'll make the strongest case we can. I think the council will be supportive," Nickels said.

During a news conference Wednesday, the mayor and Fire Department officials showcased a white Harley-Davidson Electra Glide outfitted for medics.

The white paint makes the motorcycle more visible, said Lt. Thaddeus Mercer, a medical-services officer who wants to join the motorcycle team. Mercer has been riding motorcycles for 15 years and has his own Harley.

"We're excited. We think we can make a difference and save lives," Mercer said. "That's what we're about."

Copyright 2007 The Seattle Times Company