By Rora Media Admin
Rally tend to cause serious injury or death to crew and spectators. As Kenya prepares to host the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally, the event the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Prof. Raj Jutley has promised a safest event come March 20th – 23rd.
Since the return of Safari Rally to the WRC calendar in 2021, Jutley as been the man charged with maintaining that desired medical and safety status of the prestigious event.
“In regards to medical, we (Safari Rally) have been rated A+. It was initially an area of concern having been away from the WRC calendar for 18 years, so all eyes were on me. But with international CMO experience, having written books on the subject, driven in the Safari Rally previously as well as still competing in international events, I was soon left to run my docket,” Prof. Jutley said.
“We have always kept abreast of the changes for myself and the deputy CMO, who this year will be Dr. Andrew Muriithi, an anaesthetist specialized in medevac transfers. For example, we have to attend mandatory training, which happens four times a year online, and as well keep our registration current with the FIA with biannual training,” he disclosed.
“What we have in place is air support, ground support, and each and every one of my doctors has been trained to a certain standard set by the FIA in accordance with Appendix H (of the medical rules).For example, my ground support can get a doctor at the scene of the accident in less than 10 minutes,” he assured.
Dr. Dash Patel, who will carry the cutting gear and Muriithi are the designated first responders in the first chopper code named Helimed 1. HeliMed2 will carry a surgeon and anaesthetist capable of getting to a location within minutes.
“With these efforts, as well as being supported by excellent experienced front-line doctors such as Dr. V P Chauhan, Dr. Abel Oduor and Dr. Mark Siboe who have been with me since we got our WRC status, we are recognised as being one of the safest events in the WRC calendar,” he added.
The safety of the WRC Safari Rally will also depend on the conduct of the spectators with organiser making this year’s edition a fan friendly event. Prof. Jutley ranks Kenyan rally fans as the most disciplined and aware of the dangers involved in the sport.
“Spectators will be required to listen to the Spectator Safety Officers and marshals placed strategically, so all they need to do is make sure they are always behind the designated lines and enjoy themselves,” he advised.
