Providence Fire Dept. Emergency Medical Services Bicycle program returns to city

Photo: PFD

Mayor Brett P. Smiley, Providence Fire Department Chief Derek M. Silva and EMS Chief Zach Kenyon, along with Providence Fire’s leadership team and community members, announced the return of the Providence Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Bicycle Program to Downtown Providence.

First launched as a pilot in the summer of 2023, the EMS Bike Program is a proactive initiative that supports public safety efforts, overdose prevention and connection to recovery services for those experiencing substance use challenges. 

“It is critical that we continue to address the overdose crisis with a coordinated, compassionate and proactive response,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “Through efforts like the EMS Bike Program, our investment in overdose prevention programs and support for community-based recovery services, we’re taking a comprehensive approach to public health and safety by meeting people where they are and connecting them to the care they need. Programs such as our EMS Bike team and our broader harm reduction strategy can serve as a model for cities nationwide looking to implement effective, community-driven solutions.” 

The EMS Bike Program originally operated from August to mid-October 2023 in Downtown Providence for four hours each weekday. Due to growing community needs and early success, the unit’s schedule has since expanded to eight hours a day, Monday through Friday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, weather permitting and running now through October. Staffed by trained firefighters, the unit provides on-the-ground emergency prevention, overdose response and public education. Team members distribute Narcan kits, including nasal Narcan, protective gloves and information about PVD Safe Stations for those looking to enter recovery programs.

The EMS Bicycle personnel is also equipped with an AED, oxygen, IV and over-the-counter medications. Additionally, Ferguson Perforating generously donated two new bikes to the EMS Bike Program, supporting the unit’s ability to respond effectively in the Downtown area. 

Under the leadership of Chief Silva and Chief Kenyon, the EMS Bike Program is strategically deployed in areas with a high volume of overdose and behavioral health-related calls. These firefighters offer essential medical support without the immediate need for an ambulance, alleviating pressure on rescue services and improving emergency response times. On average, the EMS Bike team arrives on the scene nearly three minutes faster than other responding companies. In 25% of calls, bike team members are able to resolve the situation without requiring transport or additional resources, freeing up those units to respond to more critical emergencies. 

“Every second matters in an emergency, and the EMS Bike Program has proven to be a life-saving resource in our most high-need areas,” said Fire Chief Derek Silva. “By cutting down response times and delivering immediate care, our firefighters prevent overdose deaths and allow our rescues to focus on other calls around the city that require hospital transports. This program underscores the critical importance of preventative care and reinforces our commitment to protecting the health and safety of every person in our community.” 

The advancement of this program has been made possible in part by funding from the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) grant championed by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. With continued support, the City is able to invest in this critical resource that delivers immediate and compassionate care directly to the community. The EMS Bike Program also plays a key role in advancing Providence’s broader Overdose Prevention Plan, an evidence-based strategy to reduce overdoses and increase access to care. To date, the City has awarded nearly $1 million in Opioid Settlement with over $660,000 through competitive grants to local nonprofits.Additionally, the City allocated over $250,000 to support the opening of the state-sanctioned Project Weber/RENEW Overdose Prevention Center, the first of its kind in the United States, which opened earlier this year. 

These initiatives are part of Mayor Smiley’s continued commitment to building stronger relationships across the community and enhance public health and safety through compassionate, data-driven strategies.