DELTONA, Fla. – Law enforcement, paramedics, and hospital workers came together on Wednesday for a training exercise designed to increase awareness about e-bike safety.
The scenario took place outside The Center At Deltona and involved workers with Volusia County, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, and Deltona Fire Rescue.
During the training, firefighters and EMS responded to a simulated crash involving vehicle and two children on e-bikes.
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“It really makes a difference in how we collaborate together and work together with our partners so we can get safe and efficient transport of that injured patient to the local trauma center,” Volusia County EMS Chief Kevin Captain said.
The simulation happened a few miles from where Hunter Ford, 14, was struck while riding his e-bike to the first day of school last month.
[VIDEO: Witnesses lift vehicle off 14-year-old e-bike rider after he was struck, dragged in Volusia County]
Ford is still recovering from his injuries and attended the training with his mother.
“I was struck by the car, dragged 15 feet, and then the tow truck lifted the car off of me,” Ford said. “I’m very grateful for everyone that was there, the bystanders, the ambulance.”
According to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, more than 90 patients have been admitted this year with significant e-bike-related injuries.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood also attended the exercise and said it’s important to promote safety for anyone who rides an e-bike.
“Had (Hunter) not been wearing that helmet, he would be dead,” Chitwood said. “The e-bike problem isn’t getting any smaller; it’s getting larger.”
Chitwood said his office is coordinating with resource officers and school guardians to educate students and parents of the importance of wearing helmets while on a bicycle or e-bike.
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