Expert medical training for skippers and crews

Race prep week saw the Clipper Race’s Global Medical Emergency Support Partner, PRAXES Medical Group, undertake medical training with the skippers and crew members of the world’s longest yacht race ahead of its ninth edition.

PRAXES CEO, Susan Helliwell and Medical Director, Dr John Ross travelled from the group’s Canada base to the UK for the specialist training which will aid the crews in the event of a medical emergency.

“We went through with the skippers and crew how the PRAXES service works and how they can utilise it during the race,” said Dr John Ross.

“We went through a head to toe survey of what kind of injuries which might be anticipated and what kind of medical problems could possibly occur and how the kit relates to some of the problems.” 

Chairman and founder of the Clipper Race, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston also reinforced the requirement for specialist knowledge and skills during an ocean race.

"The training given to our skippers and crew by PRAXES could be essential during the race.

"The skippers are entrusted with the safety of the crew and we treat this with the upmost importance. Taking part in a round the world yacht race, where you will race through some of the toughest environments on the planet brings with it, like all extreme sports, a heightened chance of injury so ensuring the on board crew and skipper have the best knowledge and skills possible is a huge must.

"Together with our intensive sail training and the fact that PRAXES will be on hand to offer advice throughout the race with their specialist knowledge means in the event of an incident at sea the skipper and crew will be well prepared.

In the event of an incident on board during the Clipper Race, the skipper will be able to call PRAXES for medical advice. The on call physician will have access to the crew members’ medical history to be able to diagnose remotely and recommend appropriate treatment.

PRAXES physicians are all highly trained specialists in remote triage, who regularly give telephone advice to naval vessels, oil rigs, air transport programmes, poison information centres and other health professionals in a variety of remote settings.

As well as providing peace of mind for crew and their loved ones, it is expected the service will significantly reduce the number of in-port hospital visits and medevac situations during the race.