The FIA Institute was nominated for the ‘Safety Initiative of the Year’ award at the Professional MotorSport World Expo held 3-5 November for its first-ever comprehensive medical book entitled Motorsport Medicine.

Intended for all FIA championships from karting to Formula One, Motorsport Medicine presents safe, accepted approaches to the initial treatment of motor sport trauma patients. The 250-page book, edited by Formula One Medical Rescue Coordinator Professor Gary Hartstein, brings together medical and motor sport expertise from more than 20 contributors. These include FIA Institute Fellows Dr. Stephen Olvey, Professor Gérard Saillant, Dr. Terry Trammell, Hugh Scully MD, and F1 Race Director Charlie Whiting.

Part One, entitled the Motorsports Environment, provides an overview of the organisation of motor sport, the role of the FIA, the Medical Commission, circuit procedures, racecar types, driver equipment, and the role of the Chief Medical Officer.

Part Two, Motorsports Medicine, outlines detailed medical instructions for all types of accidents and injuries. This includes extrication and primary survey procedures, as well as guidelines for numerous injuries including thoracic injury, abdominal trauma, head injury and spinal trauma.

The book’s main purpose is to allow someone trained in medicine who has never participated in a motor sport event to feel at home during his or her first circuit or rally event. More experienced practitioners will find answers to their questions and a source of continuing refinement to their trauma care approach.