Competitors at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, the second round of the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies, underwent first-on-scene medical training from an expert team of specialists focused on ensuring drivers and co-drivers are equipped to help in the case of an accident during the running of an event.

The training, which will initially be rolled out on all cross country rallies, is delivered in a series of modules covering resuscitation, burns, major haemorrhage, fractures, extrication and the recovery position. It has been developed by the FIA in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The two organisations have been working together since 2014 to create an accredited training scheme for competitors involved in the rally discipline and will grant participants a level of official recognition from the IFRC Global First Aid Reference Centre.

“This type of training is so important and I’m really supportive of it,” said reigning FIA World Cup Champion Jakub Przygonski. “More information and knowledge is always better and in this regard, it can save lives.”

At the start of 2019, carrying a first aid kit became compulsory in the FIA’s cross country rallies and bajas to help ensure a competitor can provide initial care before emergency workers arrive at the scene of an accident. The kit, developed by former FIA World Rally Championship Medical Delegate Jean Duby and the Medical Commission, comprises basic items such as plasters, scissors, bandages and tape, as well as tourniquets and compression bandages to control bleeding, airway devices, treatment for burns, eyewash and protective thermal blankets.

“I am really happy we can implement this training in cross country,” said Jutta Kleinschmidt, President of the Cross Country Commission. “All through my career, we never had this and it is so important to be taught what to do if you arrive at the scene of an accident. Normally it will always be the next competitor who has to provide initial care; this is the most likely scenario in cross country because of the nature of the route and the distances covered. This training can save a life.”

Dr. Paul Trafford has led the programme’s development with Kate Robson, Head of FIA Sport Grant Programme and Accreditation, Dr. Pascal Cassan, Head of the IFRC Global First Aid Reference Centre and Diane Issard, Manager of the IFRC Global Reference Centre in Paris.

Training will be delivered by Dr Jean Duby, Dr Paul Trafford, FIA Medical Advisor and Medical Chair of Motorsport UK, Dr Sean Petherbridge, Chief Medical Officer for the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, Michael Jacobi, a German paramedic and two representatives from the IFRC.