The racecourse medical officer.

This research article discusses the roles and responsibilities of a racecourse medical officer, dispelling the common stereotype that their role is minimal. The racecourse medical officer, contrary to popular belief, is actively engaged throughout the day providing immediate medical assistance on site, ensuring the health and safety of jockeys and assessing the feasibility of jockeys riding in races.

Racecourse Medical Officer Duties

• The medical officer supervises a service tailored to the needs of the specific racecourse where they function. This involves taking into account the course’s geography, communication systems, and accessibility.
• They are responsible for examining every jockey that falls, regardless of whether they manage to remount and win the race. Part of their duty is to ensure that no injured or unfit jockey participates in a race.
• They are expected to handle any injuries that the jockeys or the general public may encounter within the scope of their equipment. In cases where injuries are outside of their capacity, they should be referred to the appropriate medical departments.
• At the end of the day, they are required to provide a detailed report, summarizing the treatment and outcomes of all casualties.

Organizational Structure

• A specific organization structure has been established for Cheltenham’s racecourse as a case study. Three doctors and one state registered nurse, along with eight assistant nurses and 25 first-aid providers, are on standby at each meeting.
• The course also has a small medical facility equipped with basic surgical equipment, a first-aid room, a duty room, a ward with three beds, and a mortuary. The state registered nurse supervises this medical establishment. There is also a first-aid post dedicated to the needs of the public in the public enclosure.

Deployment and Communication

• During races, two doctors positioned at strategic sections within the course’s perimeter, equipped with a Land-Rover, a driver, and a radio-telephone set for communication. The final doctor is stationed in an elevated section (the bridge) from where he can oversee the entire course.
• From the bridge, the doctor can communicate via radio with other doctors, the ambulance, the racecourse manager, the course hospital, and the course foreman. This setup facilitates efficient coordination during emergencies and routine checks.
• Any accident on the course is handled at once by the first aiders on site. They use flag signals to call for the on-site ambulance or doctor’s assistance when required.
• Jockeys needing treatment are transported by ambulance to the course hospital. The arrangement allows the medical staff to respond effectively to emergencies while ensuring ongoing individual jockey assessment and treatment.