National EMS Memorial Bike Ride: Traditions Old and New

Traditions? Merriam-Webster gives several definitions, and I like this one: an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior.

With the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, first responders come together every year to honor and memorialize the brothers and sisters we’ve lost. Not only EMS, police, and fire, but military and the dispatchers who send us out to the trenches to help, constantly monitoring their radios. Is this a tradition? I think so, and many others agree.

What is included in this tradition? Well, a bike ride, of course—that’s where it all started. Stopping along the chosen route to visit with squads and departments who have lost members. We reassure them their lost friend or family member is not forgotten. We read the names and ring the bell for the first responders we’ve lost, not only in the past year but also in prior years. The dog tags riders wear for the duration of the ride each represent a fallen first responder.

At the end of the ride, each rider connects with the family of the person they rode for and presents the tag to them, either in person or by letter. I’ve always found this to be a humbling experience full of raw emotions. No matter how long after the passing of a loved one, the families are still mourning, trying to adjust to the new lives thrust upon them. I’ve walked away from the tag presentations numerous times totally emotionally drained.

That Time of Year

It is becoming that time of year again. This year’s National EMS Memorial Bike Ride (NEMSBR) is right around the corner. Twenty-one years of organized bike rides to remember the fallen, and now to raise awareness for mental health issues of first responders—therein lies the tradition.

Who knew back in October 2001, when a group of Boston EMS professionals rode their bicycles from Boston to Roanoke, Va., that it would turn into a yearly event lasting more than two decades? That is truly an EMS tradition.

In 2006 17 riders started at Fort Taunton, N.Y., and ended in Roanoke. Three riders from that group still do one or more EMS bike rides every year: Steve Berry, Michael Kaiser, and me. It has become my tradition for 15 years now, and I believe their tradition as well, to ride and participate.

This past year has been trying for everybody. More than 900 frontline workers, doctors, nurses, and paramedics have died from COVID so far this year, per Kaiser Health News.

Since the first article I wrote on the bike ride and traditions for EMS World in 2009, the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride has grown to five rides across the continental United States, typically happening monthly from May to September (though this year all in September). Each ride has a strong core of returning riders every year. This was no different in 2020, when we rode virtually. Due to COVID, the regularly scheduled rides were canceled. Instead, individuals and small groups rode anywhere from a day to a week in September in remembrance and honor of the fallen. I led a small group across New Hampshire.

In 2009–10 there was a small but strong contingent of riders from Canada. From that first ride for them sprung the Paramedic Ride, a Canadian NEMSMBR equivalent that has grown from one ride from Toronto to Ottawa to now traversing from British Columbia to Nova Scotia every year. This, to me, shows the spread of the tradition.

First Responders Are Human

Five years ago a contingent of riders rode from Ottawa to Washington, D.C., stopping at all the provincial and state capitals along the way. Capital to Capital, or C2C, was born. Canadian and American first responders rode 1,200 miles to raise awareness for EMS mental health. This past spring the Capital to Capital ride was rebranded as First Responders Are Human.

Both initiatives were created by first responders from both Canada and the United States. With the border still closed between the two countries due to COVID in 2020, leadership decided on a virtual recognition for first responders and mental health issues. They devised a campaign that included 14 days of daily activity participants could do at home. Some of these were yoga, writing/journaling, utilizing professional resources, and physical activity. Participants were given a toolbox of resources to work with to help themselves. This gave them something tangible to work with after a year of everything being virtual. Doing this revealed an interest in mental health among first responders, though they may be shy talking about it.

Conversations started as participating responders told each other about their activities and experiences. Other conversations revealed feelings of anger and thoughts of suicide. By some estimates up to 60% of responders in Canada have these thoughts. Other data suggest 37% of first responders in the United States have suicidal ideations. That’s 10 times the national average.

There are studies that show that physical activity can help individuals dealing with depression and PTSD. Movement helps healing.

The Next Move

It’s a scary proposition to speak up and ask for help. But the stigma that has been associated with mental health issues and asking for help is finally eroding. Several years ago I was going through a difficult time and was in total denial. At a yearly checkup with my PCP, I completely broke down. After talking with him and being referred to a therapist, I had the help I needed and am now in a much better place. I now try to help others when they’ve had a bad day or call. I have made many calls to check up on someone who’s been through a bad situation. I meet with them and let them talk it out. It can take some time, but the result is worth it.

We should also remember the older first responders: Once you are retired, life changes. There isn’t the camaraderie you once shared with coworkers. I’ve started reaching out and calling some of my old, retired friends and have had beautiful conversations that have lasted for hours. And, in the end, with a big thanks for calling.

The next move is yours. Don’t play a game or go on social media—pick up the phone. Call and talk to someone. Join up with one of the bike rides, either as a rider or support. For more information check out the following:

• National EMS Memorial Bike Ride 
• Paramedic Ride (Canada)
• First Responders Are Human
• First Responders Are Human Facebook group

Mike Kennard, EMT-P, I/C, has been in EMS for more than 41 years. He is a retired paramedic from Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.H., a retired assistant chief from Nottingham (N.H.) Fire and Rescue, and a part-time instructor for Granite State EMS. He is an avid bicycle rider in support of the National EMS Bike Ride.