By Ed Housewright
The Dallas Morning News
MCKINNEY, Texas — McKinney paramedics soon will be scooting around on Segways.
The city recently received a $16,000 donation to buy a pair of the two-wheeled electric vehicles to use at large public gatherings.
Riders stand upright on the vehicles, which are designed to move nimbly in tight spaces. Paramedics will be able to carry defibrillators and other medical equipment on them, said Frank Roma, assistant chief of the McKinney Fire Department.
Currently, paramedics use mountain bikes at large events.
“The Segways will give medics visibility far above what they currently have on the bikes,” Roma said. “Then there’s the PR aspect of it. They’re unique and kind of an edgy and trendy. They’re very green and don’t leave any carbon footprint.”
Medical Center of McKinney donated the money to buy two Segway x2 Patroller models, which are designed for public safety use. The city hopes to receive them in two to three weeks, Roma said.
“I’ve never been on one,” he said. “I’m looking forward to trying. We’re certainly going to make sure our personnel are trained and comfortable on the units before we roll them out.”
Copyright 2011 THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS