In January 2001, Lt. Dave Wheaton noted a problem that response into areas where large gatherings of people attending an event such as outdoor concerts, parades, block parties, sporting events, and various events and festivals. He also determined that the units covering the event were frequently out of position, or effectively out of service during these events. The ambulances were sitting at idle or off, adding to the maintenance costs and increasing down time. A better method had to be found.

At the time, there were police bike patrols and no EMS bicycle response operations in Lee County. Through his proposal and matching grant funds, Lee County EMS Paramedic Bicycle Response Team was established in January 2002. Funding for the program made it possible to initially purchase:

• 4-Trek ATB “Police Package” Bicycles
• 4-Uniforms (Polo Shirt, Bike Shorts, Bike Shoes, Belt)
• 4-Helmets
• 2-Automated External Defibrillators (AED)
• 4-Panier Saddlebags
• 8-Sets spare tires & tubes
• 4-Tire Pumps
• 4-Tool Sets
• Training, initial

With the Team in place Lee County EMS is capable of deploying at large special events of 500-1,000 people or more with appropriate ALS & BLS equipment to handle the most common situations faced in this setting. Many examples of large events  include: Edison Pageant of Light Parade, one of the largest night parades in the nation; New Years Eve block party; Various Downtown Entertainment Block Parties; Spring Training for Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins; Medieval Fare; Outdoor Concerts; Jazz On The Green; Fourth Of July Extravaganza; Circus; College Baseball/Softball; Veterans Day; Kid’s Fest; VCB Events. In addition, the Lee County Lee Cares Division is responsible for permitting large events over 1,000 people for unincorporated Lee County. In 1999 they issued seven permits, in 2000 they issued 10 permits. They expect this growth trend to continue.

The first event covered by the Bicycle Response Team was Edison Block party in February 2002.