​PRAXES to Provide 24/7 Remote Medical Support for Clipper 2019-20 Race

The Clipper Race is continuing its partnership with remote medical specialist PRAXES Medical Group.

PRAXES will play a crucial behind-the-scenes role as Global Medical Support Partner to the Clipper 2019-20 Race when it sets sail this summer, drawing on its 22 years of experience in providing bespoke medical support and immediate access to its team of doctors. The PRAXES team will be on hand 24/7 via email and satellite phone with expert support during the epic 11-month 40,000 nautical mile circumnavigation.

Clipper Race Co-Founder and Chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop around the world 50 years ago, said: “The Clipper Race fleet races through some of the most remote parts of the planet. At times, the nearest human life will be in the International Space Station. When health and safety is paramount, transport is challenging and timing is critical, the excellent service that PRAXES provides the Clipper Race is invaluable.

“During the 2017-18 edition, just four percent of calls to PRAXES during racing resulted in diversion. As such, PRAXES has allowed teams to perform to the highest possible level and I am very pleased to continue working together for the 2019-20 edition.”

The 2019-20 race will be the third consecutive edition to benefit from PRAXES’ remote medical support. When the 2019-20 edition gets underway, PRAXES will have supported 35 Race Skippers, 22 Mates and over 2,000 non-professional crew. They have provided timely and experienced medical advice, for both minor and serious conditions, wherever and whenever it was needed.

Susan Helliwell, PRAXES CEO said: “The Clipper Race is truly an adventure of a lifetime – and to help make that happen, considerable planning is done behind the scenes to protect the health and safety of everyone onboard. As the Global Medical Support Partner, PRAXES is responsible for assessing risk and ensuring the Skippers are prepared for the wide range of medical issues that may happen during the race. We provide a 24/7, direct connection to our team of Emergency Doctors who provide advice and care for any medical event, at any hour, in any location.

“Our job is to help reduce the risk and impact of unexpected medical events so that all Crew members can have the best experience possible.”

In addition to remote medical support at sea, PRAXES provides bespoke medical training to Clipper Race Skippers and Medical Assistant crew members in the lead-up to the circumnavigation and will be available to provide medical support for crew onshore during each of the Clipper Race stopovers.