Pistoresi Ambulance Service introduced their new bicycle paramedic patrol at the Bike Rodeo at Maywood Center on June 5, 1999. riding identical mountain bikes, the two paramedics will be more readily available in a crowded environment in the event of an emergency.

Monte Pistoresi, owner of Pistoresi Ambulance, said "This provides a quicker response at fairs, ball games, and just about any event where large groups of people gather. It also allows our paramedics to be more visible and get to meet the public face to face".

Currently nine employees are trained for the bike patrol. Eight hours of training are required, including bicycle safety, how to change a flat tire, repair a broken chain, as well as satisfactorily completing an obstacle course.

The two bikes are equipped with saddlebags that contain everything required by the paramedics to do their job, including a defibrillator, airway tubes and oxygen. The riders have two way radio communications with the Mariposa Fire dispatcher and other emergency personnel, and can do anything paramedics are trained for except transport a patient. In most cases the bikes will transport to the event in an ambulance, so one will be on scene to transport victims in emergencies.

Pistoresi said the "Bike Medics" would be attending most events in the Ranchos, including Flatlander’s Day and the Kiwanis Flea Market.