title: Medical support at a large-scale motorsports mass-gathering event: the inaugural Formula One United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Formula One returned to the United States on November 16-18, 2012, with the inaugural United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. Medical preparedness for motorsports events represents a unique challenge due to the potential for a high number of spectators seeking medical attention, and the possibility for a mass-casualty situation. Adequate preparation requires close collaboration across public safety agencies and hospital networks to minimize impact on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) resources.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To report the details of preparation for an inaugural mass-gathering motorsports event, and to describe the details of the medical care rendered during the 3-day event.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective analysis was completed utilizing postevent summaries, provided by the medical planning committee, by the Federation Internationale de L'Automobile (FIA), and Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS). Patient data were collected from standardized patient care records for descriptive analysis. Medical usage rates (MURs) are reported as a rate of patients per 10,000 (PPTT) participants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 566 patients received medical care over the 3-day period with the on-site care rate of 95%. Overall, MUR was 21.3 PPTT attendees. Most patients had minor problems, and there were no driver injuries or deaths.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This mass-gathering motorsport event had a moderate number of patients requiring medical attention. The preparedness plan was implemented successfully with minimal impact on EMS resources and local medical facilities. This medical preparedness plan may serve as a model to other cities preparing for an inaugural motorsports event.
authors: 1Department of Surgery,University Medical Center Brackenridge,Austin, TexasUSA.
authors: John P
authors: JP
authors: Sabra
authors: 2Austin-Travis County EMS System,Austin, TexasUSA.
authors: José G
authors: JG
authors: Cabañas
authors: 3Department of Emergency Medicine,University Medical Center Brackenridge,Austin, TexasUSA.
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Bedolla
authors: 3Department of Emergency Medicine,University Medical Center Brackenridge,Austin, TexasUSA.
authors: Shirley
authors: S
authors: Borgmann
authors: 2Austin-Travis County EMS System,Austin, TexasUSA.
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Hawley
authors: 3Department of Emergency Medicine,University Medical Center Brackenridge,Austin, TexasUSA.
authors: Kevin
authors: K
authors: Craven
authors: 1Department of Surgery,University Medical Center Brackenridge,Austin, TexasUSA.
authors: Carlos
authors: C
authors: Brown
authors: 3Department of Emergency Medicine,University Medical Center Brackenridge,Austin, TexasUSA.
authors: Chris
authors: C
authors: Ziebell
authors: 4Circuit of Americas,Austin, TexasUSA.
authors: Steve
authors: S
authors: Olvey
mesh_terms: D000846:Anniversaries and Special Events; D001336:Automobiles; D004189:Disaster Planning; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D054527:Mass Casualty Incidents; D010934:Planning Techniques; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013781:Texas / Q000453:epidemiology; D014193:Trauma Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*