Keeping them fit

Crews setting off on leg four of the Volvo Ocean Race will be better prepared for medical emergencies

Amer Sports Too skipper Grant Dalton is manhandled off in Sydney. He was later diagnosed to have three broken ribs.

ProAction Medical's Auckland training for the Volvo Ocean Race medics comes halfway through the global endurance course, after another refresher course in England at the beginning of the 32,700-nautical-mile round-the-world race. Each syndicate developed different methods for ensuring adequate medical coverage on board their yachts, complying with race rules on specific skills that on-board medics should possess.

Identical medical kits have been developed by the race’s medical advisory committee and supplied to each yacht, according to Malinen. Weight and space on board were primary considerations in creating the kits. "I'm collecting data and feedback to make improvements, and the medical kit is evolving all the time," he added.

Seafarers in endurance events may have different medical requirements at sea than recreational sailors, according to Nicholson from ProAction Medical. A medical kit supplier and licensed online pharmaceutical wholesaler and exporter, ProAction Medical created unique medical kits for New Zealand's winning men's and women's teams in the 2001 Telecom Challenge Transatlantic Rowing Race.

For the Volvo Ocean Race, along with their medical kits, the medics on each yacht's crew have a book and CD-ROM with detailed information for diagnosing and treating various health problems that may arise during the race. They can also telephone for advice from medical staff at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, UK, or email the race Medical Advisory Committee, according to Malinen.

He said dehydration has been a problem for some crewmembers. Their freeze-dried food, although nutritionally complete, does not supply any fluids, unlike a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.

Volvo Ocean Race crews also face other medical problems brought on by the rigours of the endurance event, including traumatic injuries, low back pain, musculoskeletal injuries including sprains and fractures, and skin infections such as 'spotty botty', cracked hands and athletes foot.

"We are excited to have the opportunity to enhance the teams' medical capabilities. When the boats leave the safety of Auckland's Viaduct Harbour after their medical training, the medics on board will be ready to deal with any unexpected surprises that the Southern Ocean may throw at them", said ProAction Medical's Nicholson.