The Alfred pit crew providing lifesaving care
For over 20 years, emergency and trauma specialists from The Alfred have had a trackside ticket to the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix.
But rather than watching the action, our team is kept busy delivering lifesaving care in the event’s Medical Centre.
Made up of Alfred Health staff, including nurses, doctors, radiographers, a ward clerk and orderly, the Medical Centre team is responsible for providing emergency care to anyone involved in the event - from drivers, to support crew and Formula 1 officials.
Associate Nurse Manager, Angela Weber, who works in The Alfred’s Emergency and Trauma Centre, has spearheaded the coordination of this year’s team.
“It’s been about four months of planning - ensuring we have the right people and the right equipment here to potentially save a life,” says Angela.
“What’s most exciting about being here is the international recognition it gives The Alfred,” says Ange.
“In ED, we’re inside the facade of The Alfred. Whereas here, trackside, we really are the face of the health service.”
The team at the Medical Centre are able to provide intensive care and lifesaving surgery on patients, and support transfer to The Alfred if required.
“It's a terrific opportunity for our team to use their skills in a completely different setting,” says Ange.
“When a patient presents to Emergency at The Alfred, they’ve usually already been seen by Ambulance Victoria. And usually at maximum, they’ve been involved at a crash at 110km p/h.”
“Here, we’re treating patients immediately after an accident, that could have occurred at speeds over 200km p/h. It’s a completely different way of working."
This is also the first year the Medical Centre has access onsite to the organisation’s electronic medical health records, which means treating teams at the hospital will have realtime access to health information for patients requiring subsequent care.
“We’re really proud of what we are able to deliver here at the Grand Prix,” says Angela. “It is a career highlight to be here and to use our skills in such an exciting and unique way.”
The Alfred's work at the Formula 1 is supported by medical supplies and equipment donated by Device Technologies, Sonosite/Fujifilm, Karlstorz, Kent Removals, Parker Healthcare and Phillips.
