Medical Support Offshore partners with Global Ocean Race

by GOR Media on 22 Mar 2013 The Global Ocean Race has announced that UK-based Medical Support Offshore Ltd (MSOS) is to be one of a select group of Race Partners for the 2014-15 edition. Providing medical training for the sailors who will undertake one of the world's toughest sailing feats, MSOS will also work with the GOR Race Organisers during any medical emergencies that occur on the race boats.

Specialists in tele-medical support services and widely considered to be one of the most highly experienced teams in Europe, MSOS has supplied advice to countless offshore and round-the-world races dealing with accidents and injuries ranging from broken bones to dental issues, often providing crucial information via satellite phone. 'Offshore racing aboard our fast and powerful GOR40 boats is exhilarating, demanding and has an element of risk involved, which is precisely why many of our skippers have chosen to compete in this race,' says Josh Hall, Race Director of the GOR. 'Dr Spike Briggs and Dr Mark Tomson both have backgrounds in offshore racing and a unique insight into the injuries that can be sustained and issues involved on racing yachts. Forewarned is forearmed and we know that the course MSOS will put our sailors through will be appropriate and thorough.'

During the 30,000-mile circumnavigation, the GOR’s solo, double-handed and fully-crewed teams will race through some of the most remote sea areas on the planet. Autonomy and the ability to confront any medical problems swiftly is essential. 'Safety is our number one priority and whilst all of our sailors will have already undertaken rigorous medical training, the mandatory, intensive course which MSOS will provide shortly before the race start will be an excellent refresher and a chance for everyone to learn from some real-life offshore incidents,' says Hall.

'We’re very pleased indeed to be partners for the upcoming GOR 2014-15. It’s an excellent, tough, fascinating race that rounds the three Capes,' says Dr Briggs. 'We supported several teams for the last edition, and we have great admiration for these men and women. We’ve been in the Southern Ocean ourselves, and dealing with medical problems in those conditions is very demanding. When we get a call at anytime of day or night from a boat, we know what the crew is going through, and can give advice on practical actions that can be achieved under Southern Ocean conditions. There’s nothing like a friendly voice on the end of the line when something’s gone Global Ocean Race website