WINONA, Minn. (AP) — Some rescue workers in the Winona area are ditching their ambulances for bikes.

A Winona Daily News report says the Winona Area Ambulance Service has launched a new bike team. It'll be used at festivals, runs, parades and other events where it might take a long time for bulky ambulances to respond.

Kyle Rogers is a paramedic who helps coordinate the bike team. He says another advantage of traveling by bike is that his team can connect more closely with community members. He says it's comforting for them to know how close help is in case something goes wrong.

The team launched in May. Each of its three bikes is equipped with medical gear — a defibrillator, medications, oxygen supplies and cold packs. The riders also have direct contact with hospitals.

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