Mission accomplished for Airmedic staff at the F1 Grand Prix
In Quebec, the F1 Grand Prix is a true tradition. From Gilles Villeneuve to Lewis Hamilton, this iconic race draws crowds and thrills Montreal. Finally, after a two-year hiatus, Montreal once again vibrated to the rhythm of F1 Grand Prix for a weekend.
Airmedic at the heart of the medical response
To ensure the safety of drivers and spectators, the organizers of the F1 Grand Prix in Canada once again called on Airmedic’s expertise. The organization also mobilized the medical team from Sacré-Cœur Hospital in Montreal. This is one of the most important ultra-specialized trauma centers in Quebec. Our participation had several objectives. It aimed to provide critical care, ensure rapid medical transport by helicopter, and implement an effective emergency protocol.
Three days of medical coverage at the F1 Grand Prix
While Verstappen and Sainz battled for first place on the podium, all eyes were also on our teams. Those from Sacré-Cœur Hospital in Montreal and Airmedic were called into action several times. In fact, several medical requests required emergency helicopter transfers. This situation demanded a high level of responsiveness in the field.
The F1 Grand Prix requires : precision, logistics, coordination
The Canadian Grand Prix relies on extremely professional organization. Safety, both on the track and in the stands, remains the top priority. That is why we are proud of the trust placed in Airmedic to provide emergency medical services and to implement an effective emergency protocol.
The emergency response plan for this type of event is complex. It requires special attention from all parties involved. The protocol in place involved a great deal of communication with the various stakeholders, including the track hospital, the coordination center, Grand Prix security, the Montreal control tower, and Sacré-Cœur Hospital in Montreal.
The coordination team immediately deployed a second helicopter from Saint-Hubert during each evacuation. This deployment ensured continuous coverage on site. In addition, an alternative landing site was planned on the island in case of mechanical failure.
The Airmedic coordination center team, present on site throughout the event, handled all communications.
Training, anticipation, and precision
In this type of operation, every helicopter movement is critical, and the priority remains the safety of everyone involved. That is why five simulations were carried out prior to the event. These exercises involved two helicopters and a team.
The objective? To train 25 nurses, respiratory therapists, and doctors from the field hospital. Participants learned boarding procedures, the code of conduct on board, and how to safely handle equipment. In addition, an additional simulation was used to validate the process of installing an extracorporeal circulation device with an oxygenating membrane.
A team success
The success of this operation depends on the contribution of every link in the chain.
Our pilots provided emergency transport in less than seven minutes. Our coordination team managed each mission efficiently. Grand Prix staff secured the landing and takeoff areas. Our maintenance manager was on site to respond quickly in case of mechanical problems.
At Sacré-Cœur Hospital, 50 doctors, 23 respiratory therapists, 10 nurses, and a medical technologist played an essential role in treating the injured. Together, they demonstrated what an effective emergency care model looks like.
An exemplary collaboration
Airmedic would like to thank its staff, the medical team at Sacré-Cœur Hospital in Montreal, and the many volunteers at the Canadian Grand Prix. Thanks to their commitment, we were able to provide medical assistance services that met the highest quality standards.
