User:Wikipetherbridge/sandbox

Dr Sean Petherbridge is one of the world’s most senior doctors in motorsport, in post as President of the FIA Medical Commission and as an expert member of the FIM Medical Commission (CMI).

Dr Petherbridge started as a volunteer in pre-hospital medicine in 2000, working as a BASICS doctor in Northamptonshire while working as an NHS GP. This involved being called out at all time of day and night attending to victims of accidents on behalf of the ambulance service.

On emigrating to the UAE in 2002, Dr Petherbridge sought further opportunities to use those skills. He was approached by to look at improving the medical service for cross-country rally, a world cup event at the time. Dr Petherbridge raised money to cover the cost of medical equipment, was instrumental in attracting volunteers from the medical and paramedic professions and delivered a huge upgrade to the medical service for the event. He further built on this solid base by continuing to attract, and look after the volunteer base for motorsport in the country, and now worldwide.

While in the UAE, Dr Petherbridge worked in urgent care and as a British Embassy doctor in Dubai, volunteering to assist British Nationals in distress for a period of 15 years. He was also Post Medical Advisor for the US Consulate in Dubai and selflessly managed and treated members of the community, often for no reward.

As the UAE grew, Dr Petherbridge became head of motorsport medicine for the National Motorsport Authority, ATCUAE, now EMSO – Emirates Motorsports Organisation. This led to him working as Chief Medical Officer for the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (now a world championship event), Dubai International Rally, and Formula 1 Abu Dhabi. The same core team still attends these events to this day. He has further contributed to helping others by adding medical and nursing students to the team and arranging for teaching by specialists working at the highest level of motorsport, both at the racing circuit at Formula 1 and in the desert in a search and rescue helicopter environment.

Now with over two decades of volunteering, Dr Petherbridge has built a devoted and cohesive team that come back again and again. Before his involvement, the Desert Challenge event was in need of improvement in medical safety. Since Dr Petherbridge became involved, there is now a world class medical team, with the latest medical equipment, working under proper governance rules ensuring that medical rescue of sporting competitors is second to none. Dr Petherbridge and his team are trusted and recognised for their performance by international competitors.

Returning to the UK in 2017, Dr Petherbridge has further earned the respect of his peers by recognising the skills of others under his leadership. He has promoted key members of his team into chief and deputy chief positions allowing them to flourish while mentoring them in post. He is now head of the medical panel for EMSO and recently has been recognised on the world stage by being nominated and elected as President of the FIA Medical Commission. This has led to significant safety improvements in motorsport which will continue to be applied in future years.

During his tenure as President of the FIA Medical Commission, a position previously held by Prof Sir Sidney Watkins, Dr Petherbridge has been able to update the motorsport regulations to improve scene safety by adding the role and job description of Rescue Chief and stipulating rescue equipment, working with Ian Dunbar OBE. He has passed regulations to improve extrication response, reducing the number of medical personnel in harm’s way and improving on scene communications. His dogged determination to get the paramedic profession recognised within motorsport medicine is starting to bear fruit and his passion for safety improvement is further highlighted by his addition of personal protective equipment (PPE) standards to the FIA regulations.

Dr Petherbridge also acts as an advisor to motorsport organisations across the world and had influence in the planning and delivery of events such as F1 Miami and the forthcoming F1 event in Las Vegas. He supports and mentors medical delegates for all of the world championships. He deals effectively with difficult medical situations that are in the public eye and offers pragmatic solutions and drives regulatory change where needed.

Dr Petherbridge has always gone the extra mile for the sport and for his team. He ensures all team members, especially the juniors, take home not only fantastic memories of working at high profile events but significant learning and new skills.

As a full-time senior aviation medical examiner at the UK’s leading Aeromedical Centre - Centreline Aviation Medical Services, the time devoted to motorsport is outside of his main role. His knowledge base in aviation medicine allowed him to contribute to the report on porpoising in Formula 1 cars, which is a 6 Hertz whole body vibration at up to 1 g, similar to a 2 bladed helicopter. This contribution to the report compiled by Nikolas Tombazis led to greater understanding of the short, medium and long term effects of this level of vibration and eventual elimination of the problem.

ARTICLES:

https://racingnews365.com/whats-triggered-hamiltons-jewellery-u-turn

https://www.guardian-series.co.uk/sport/national/20122726.lewis-hamilton-refuses-compromise-nose-stud-jewellery-row-fia/

https://www.gbnews.com/news/lewis-hamilton-backed-in-f1-jewellery-row-as-driver-chief-says-fia-could-have-taken-different-approach/295241