Sepang – Needing to act as quick as the Formula 1 drivers, the Formula 1 Medical Services (F1MS) team, which is entrusted to provide swift medical support for the world’s fastest drivers at the 2015 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysia Grand Prix™ in Sepang, kicked off their annual two-day medical training programme today to further refine their skills in saving lives on the fast track.
Jointly coordinated by the Ministry of Health Malaysia, the Malaysian Armed Forces Medical Division and university hospitals under the direction of FIA appointed Chief Medical Officerfor the 2015 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysia Grand Prix™ Major General (Rtd) Prof Dato’ Dr Mohd Zin Bidin, the team comprisesthe dedicated track medical team and other healthcare professionals from the public field. This year, the total strength of the team is made up of 57 doctors and 147 paramedics.
The two-day programme consists of the 17th edition of the medical seminar – fittingly themed ‘The Race Against Time’ this year, attended by approximately200 multidisciplinary interventionist specialists, doctors and paramedics from around the country, who are refreshing and updating their medical training in preparation for the F1 Grand Prix.
In addition, a workshop focusing on track simulation training and familiarisation will be conducted on the second day, 25 March at Sepang International Circuit (SIC)’s Track Medical Centre.
“Track incidents are very rare, which is naturally a good thing from our perspective as it means the highest levels of safety are in place. On the other hand, this also provides our greatest challenge in this kind of work as most of our team members do not have real-life experience in providing emergency medical care on the trackside. Hence, this seminar and practical training, which we conduct every year before the F1 race, is very, very vital,” said Dato’ Dr Zin.
“Not only do we need to be knowledgeable and skilful, we also need to be fast. Time is very important. Hence, the theme of this year’s seminar ‘The Race Against Time’. All these elements must go together to help us save lives,” he added.
Dato’ Dr Zin congratulated SIC for always putting great priority on the medical programme and on their collaboration withleading medical institutions in the country, namely the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre in Cheras andthe Kuala Lumpur General Hospital, both of which are referral hospitalsfor patients from the F1™ Grand Prix event and are recognised partners for the 2015 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysia Grand Prix™.
“The organisers of the 2015 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysia Grand Prix™ have ensured that first-class medical safety support is once again in place this year, as with all other years for the peace of mind of spectators and racing teams alike,” he said.
The first day of the seminar covers areas of F1 Safety, extrication, airway management and rapid sequence induction, blunt force trauma management and managing various kinds of injuries common at race track such as head and neck injuries as well as burn and explosion
The second day focuses on track simulation training which includesairway and oxygen delivery, helmet removal and immobilisation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, haemorrhage control and burn injury management.
Apart from providing a fully-equipped Medical Centre for the event, Dato’ Dr Zin also commended SIC for their efforts in providing first aid training for its staff and other key members working during the event.
“All SIC personnel are trained to provide first aid assistance, so all families can enjoy the excitement of race weekend assured that help is close at hand, including for little incidents such as a scraped knee,” he elaborated.
Facilities at SIC’s Track Medical Centre include 2 Operating Theatres, 1 Intensive Care Unit, 1 Burn Treatment Unit, a ward and a primary care clinic, plus a separate Public Medical Centre comprising a 10-bedded ward. Also ready for deployment are 20 ambulances, 5 Medical Intervention Cars, 4 Small Medical Cars, 3 extrication vehicles and 2 medical helicopters.
The F1MS team is also ready to deploy Medical Intervention Vehicles to accident sites within 30 seconds, resuscitate injured drivers on track, extricate an injured driver within 2-3 minutes, perform resuscitative surgery in the Track Medical Centre, operate a High Dependency Unit for 2 serious injuries and execute aeromedical evacuation to the nearest hospital in 15-20 minutes.
Meanwhile, in his advice to the fans, Dato’ Dr Zin reminded them to take lots of water in view of the current hot weather.“The heat and excitement of the day may be a bit overwhelming, so be sure to stay well-hydrated and take the opportunity to relax at the F1 Carnival area,” he shared.
Sepang hosts Round 2 of the 2015 FIA Formula 1 World Championship from 27 to 29 March 2015. Promising an F1 experience like never before, SIC has lined up a host of carnival and adventure activities, ideal for visitors of all ages and walks of life.
Priced from as low as RM80, tickets for the 2015 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysia Grand Prix™ can be purchased:
1) online at SIC’s website
2) at the Sepang International Circuit ticket booth at
2.1) the Ground Floor of the NU Sentral mall in the KL Sentral area
2.2) Level CC in Paradigm Mall
2.3) the Central Court of KLCC from 21 to 29 Mar
3) from a ticket agent – just check the location from SIC’s website – http://www.sepangcircuit.com/Ticketing-@-Overview.aspx
4) by calling the SIC TICKET HOTLINE at 03-8778 2222
