Back in the day, I was offered numerous opportunities to work safety at IHRA National drag racing events while working with Professional Track Services (PTS). I steadfastly declined those offers...I just did not see the value of working a race that only lasted a few seconds and did not involve any turns (unless it involved a serious crash or simply turning off the end of the track). I finally relented and agreed to work an IHRA event at Milan Dragway, near Detroit. I was quickly hooked on drag racing.
While my EMS schedule at the time was not really conducive to making the longer road trips required to cover IHRA events further away from home, I had fallen for drag racing. I only worked a handful of events from the safety perspective...and have continued to enjoy the occasional drag race as a spectator with my sons and various other guests. There is no sensation like being near a nitromethane fueled engine when they hit the throttle! Between the sounds, the fragrance of the nitro fuel, and feeling the sounds in your body...it is hard to describe...And we have not even left the pit area yet! Experiencing a car making a 300 mph pass in the 3-4 second range is incredible. 8000 horsepower is impressive at the least.
I you have never been to a professional drag race, especially one with nitro cars, do it soon! While it is not the same as circle tracking, it is worthy of a serious race fan.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Teamwork
Over the years, I have had the honor of working with several very successful racing safety teams. All of the organizations have had something in common...teamwork!
There is no better feeling than seeing your team work their way through a tough situation...with skill and proficiency...and doing everything that can be done for the person involved, driver, fan, or crew. Having a positive outcome makes it even better. Having well-defined roles and responsibilities are good starting points...we all know that some situations require adjusting on the fly...knowing the basics is critical.
A couple of weeks ago, after having worked a challenging situation that had a great outcome, I was struck by how important it was to be able to trust your teammates to protect each other. Our situation required me, as the person with responsibility for the driver, to have undivided attention on the driver. Later, I saw a photo that shows the other guys on my truck there with me, while another crew was arriving on the scene. The photo reminded me of the 2 layers of teamwork at work, as the guys on my truck were covering my sizable rear end... the other truck arrived, helping us finish off the situation. What a great feeling that not only did our team work well together, the driver did well after a very shaky initial assessment.
Constantly assess how your team is working together...makes sure everyone knows their role and responsibilities...debrief, however informally, after every "working" situation to see how others viewed things...encourage open and candid comments. Waiting until you face a critical event is not the time to deal with shortcomings in teamwork.
Everyone goes home standing up!
There is no better feeling than seeing your team work their way through a tough situation...with skill and proficiency...and doing everything that can be done for the person involved, driver, fan, or crew. Having a positive outcome makes it even better. Having well-defined roles and responsibilities are good starting points...we all know that some situations require adjusting on the fly...knowing the basics is critical.
A couple of weeks ago, after having worked a challenging situation that had a great outcome, I was struck by how important it was to be able to trust your teammates to protect each other. Our situation required me, as the person with responsibility for the driver, to have undivided attention on the driver. Later, I saw a photo that shows the other guys on my truck there with me, while another crew was arriving on the scene. The photo reminded me of the 2 layers of teamwork at work, as the guys on my truck were covering my sizable rear end... the other truck arrived, helping us finish off the situation. What a great feeling that not only did our team work well together, the driver did well after a very shaky initial assessment.
Constantly assess how your team is working together...makes sure everyone knows their role and responsibilities...debrief, however informally, after every "working" situation to see how others viewed things...encourage open and candid comments. Waiting until you face a critical event is not the time to deal with shortcomings in teamwork.
Everyone goes home standing up!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Dirt Late Models
I really enjoy watching Dirt Late Models (DLM) race!
When I work races involving DLM's, I am reminded of how much I wish we would make a safety-related change. The window/roll cage configuration is just not practical in terms of the driver getting out in bad conditions. I have worked numerous flips involving DLM's and it is always very difficult for a driver to get out while the vehicle is upside down. Now, let's add a fire to the equation...not sure I like how it might turn out. Having a full-containment seat makes egress even more challenging...and the better seats are NEEDED...think personal roll cage!
It is time for the DLM community to take action on this situation and increase the vertical distance from the top edge of the door tin to the lowest surface of the roof panel/halo bar. This distance, again, is measured vertically...NOT on the diagonal. A practical specification would also be needed for an unencumbered horizontal measurement.
In a perfect world a total change would be made immediately...and it is not a perfect world. In the mean time, I am sure a formula can be worked out to give an advantage (weight, etc) to those who go to the new chassis/cage configuration...time and natural attrition will see the older style chassis going by the wayside.
It is nice to see an increasing number of DLM's using modern techonolgy seats...there are still those who cling to ineffective seats, poor seat mounting ideas, and unsafe seat belt mounting methods. Drivers...if you do not look out for yourselves and move toward safer seats and associated concepts, eventually someone will force the issue.
Remember, everyone goes home standing up!
When I work races involving DLM's, I am reminded of how much I wish we would make a safety-related change. The window/roll cage configuration is just not practical in terms of the driver getting out in bad conditions. I have worked numerous flips involving DLM's and it is always very difficult for a driver to get out while the vehicle is upside down. Now, let's add a fire to the equation...not sure I like how it might turn out. Having a full-containment seat makes egress even more challenging...and the better seats are NEEDED...think personal roll cage!
It is time for the DLM community to take action on this situation and increase the vertical distance from the top edge of the door tin to the lowest surface of the roof panel/halo bar. This distance, again, is measured vertically...NOT on the diagonal. A practical specification would also be needed for an unencumbered horizontal measurement.
In a perfect world a total change would be made immediately...and it is not a perfect world. In the mean time, I am sure a formula can be worked out to give an advantage (weight, etc) to those who go to the new chassis/cage configuration...time and natural attrition will see the older style chassis going by the wayside.
It is nice to see an increasing number of DLM's using modern techonolgy seats...there are still those who cling to ineffective seats, poor seat mounting ideas, and unsafe seat belt mounting methods. Drivers...if you do not look out for yourselves and move toward safer seats and associated concepts, eventually someone will force the issue.
Remember, everyone goes home standing up!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Equipment maintenance and replacement
The final component of our blog on pre-season maintenance covers personal equipment and equipment on the safety vehicle.
1. Cleaning, of firesuits and other protective items, if not done at season's end. Follow
manufacturers recommendations. Don't forget those helmets!
2. Powered hydraulic rescue tools should be refilled with fresh fuel...engine oil and all
appropriate filters should be changed...a new spark plug makes the power unit as easy to start
as possible. Hoses should be checked for damage or leaks...the fluid level in the reservoir
needs to be checked and refilled as necessary.
3. Medical kits and devices must be inventoried and restocked..expiration dates checked...items
like immobilization devices and back boards need to be cleaned...if used at a dirt track,
consider covering them with plastic bags to keep them as clean as possible.
4. Make sure all rechageable items are fully charged and fully functional. Radios need to be
periodically checked and maintained.
5. Check your personal holster and the like...fresh batteries to flashlights...sharpen knives and
scissors. Lubricate tools as needed. Clean everything!
While these lists are not perfect, they should give you some ideas and serve as memory ticklers to help you be as ready as possible for the upcoming season.
Have a great season...keep yourself and your crewmembers safe!
1. Cleaning, of firesuits and other protective items, if not done at season's end. Follow
manufacturers recommendations. Don't forget those helmets!
2. Powered hydraulic rescue tools should be refilled with fresh fuel...engine oil and all
appropriate filters should be changed...a new spark plug makes the power unit as easy to start
as possible. Hoses should be checked for damage or leaks...the fluid level in the reservoir
needs to be checked and refilled as necessary.
3. Medical kits and devices must be inventoried and restocked..expiration dates checked...items
like immobilization devices and back boards need to be cleaned...if used at a dirt track,
consider covering them with plastic bags to keep them as clean as possible.
4. Make sure all rechageable items are fully charged and fully functional. Radios need to be
periodically checked and maintained.
5. Check your personal holster and the like...fresh batteries to flashlights...sharpen knives and
scissors. Lubricate tools as needed. Clean everything!
While these lists are not perfect, they should give you some ideas and serve as memory ticklers to help you be as ready as possible for the upcoming season.
Have a great season...keep yourself and your crewmembers safe!
Vehicle Maintenance
The second of our pre-season preparation discussions concerns vehicle maintenance. It should be blatantly obvious that safety vehicles need to be kept to a very high standard of maintenance. The long hours they spend idling...the quick transition from idling to moving quickly onto the track surface challenges any vehicle. If the vehicle is used at a dirt track, the challenges are even greater.
The following items, in particular, need inspection and attention:
1. warning lights
2. vehicle electrical system (batteries take a real beating in the summer heat)
3. tires and brakes
4. fluids and filters (replace air, fuel, and oil filters at the start of the season, every season)
5. windows and doors (including tailgate if present)
6. air conditioning (if applicable)
7. belts and hoses
8. spark plugs and ignition wires
It also goes without saying that a thorough cleaning inside and out, including a coat of wax, goes a long way in establishing the appearance of professionalism. Make sure any sponsor decals on your vehicle are in good shape, professionally representing your benefactor.
Failure to properly maintain safety vehicles could be a source of major embarrassment, if not real legal liability if when called upon to respond, the vehicle is unable to make the trip. Given the nature of mechanical devices to fail in spite of good maintenance, we must do all we can to minimize the risks.
Remember, at the end of the day, everyone goes home standing up.
The following items, in particular, need inspection and attention:
1. warning lights
2. vehicle electrical system (batteries take a real beating in the summer heat)
3. tires and brakes
4. fluids and filters (replace air, fuel, and oil filters at the start of the season, every season)
5. windows and doors (including tailgate if present)
6. air conditioning (if applicable)
7. belts and hoses
8. spark plugs and ignition wires
It also goes without saying that a thorough cleaning inside and out, including a coat of wax, goes a long way in establishing the appearance of professionalism. Make sure any sponsor decals on your vehicle are in good shape, professionally representing your benefactor.
Failure to properly maintain safety vehicles could be a source of major embarrassment, if not real legal liability if when called upon to respond, the vehicle is unable to make the trip. Given the nature of mechanical devices to fail in spite of good maintenance, we must do all we can to minimize the risks.
Remember, at the end of the day, everyone goes home standing up.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Safety team pre-season prep
Our latest blog was about pre-season prep for drivers and cars...this one is directed at safety teams. Yes, pre-season prep is required for the safety team!
For simplicity, pre-season prep should be divided into several logical areas:
1. Training and policy/procedure review/update
2. Vehicle maintenance
3. Equipment maintenance and replacement
This blog will deal with the first area, training and policy/procedure review/update.
It is important to have a comprehensive review of policies and procedures that relate to safety team operations. Sitting down with track management to go over policies/procedures is a great way to spend a couple hours. You should be able to work with management honestly enough to go over incidents or situations from the previous season and see how they could have been handled better by the entire organization. It is also a good idea to touch bases with medical control (if applicable) and your EMS provider to firm up plans for the coming season and make any necessary adjustments.
Having a training sessions for all personnel, not just the new folks, is a necessary practice. Going over policies and procedures before you have a situation is crucial to making things go well when the stuff gets deep. Having a real car for immobilization practice is a great training tool! If you ask around, you might even find a trashed chassis that will allow real cutting/spreading to be done...unless you ask, I doubt you will find one. The entire range of team responsibilities should be dealt with via training activities. You know the old saying about "assume."
It is a great idea to invite the EMS provider for your track to training sessions held by the safety team...it is a great team building opportunity and gives everyone a chance to work from the same "song sheet." Little things learned in joint sessions make for better interaction when tested.
The next entry will deal with vehicle maintenance.
For simplicity, pre-season prep should be divided into several logical areas:
1. Training and policy/procedure review/update
2. Vehicle maintenance
3. Equipment maintenance and replacement
This blog will deal with the first area, training and policy/procedure review/update.
It is important to have a comprehensive review of policies and procedures that relate to safety team operations. Sitting down with track management to go over policies/procedures is a great way to spend a couple hours. You should be able to work with management honestly enough to go over incidents or situations from the previous season and see how they could have been handled better by the entire organization. It is also a good idea to touch bases with medical control (if applicable) and your EMS provider to firm up plans for the coming season and make any necessary adjustments.
Having a training sessions for all personnel, not just the new folks, is a necessary practice. Going over policies and procedures before you have a situation is crucial to making things go well when the stuff gets deep. Having a real car for immobilization practice is a great training tool! If you ask around, you might even find a trashed chassis that will allow real cutting/spreading to be done...unless you ask, I doubt you will find one. The entire range of team responsibilities should be dealt with via training activities. You know the old saying about "assume."
It is a great idea to invite the EMS provider for your track to training sessions held by the safety team...it is a great team building opportunity and gives everyone a chance to work from the same "song sheet." Little things learned in joint sessions make for better interaction when tested.
The next entry will deal with vehicle maintenance.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Pre-season Safety maintenance
Time to be getting your ride ready for the 2009 season...no time like the present to make sure you do a thorough look-over from the safety perspective. Here are some thought-provokers to help you make sure you have your car/truck as good as it can be.
1. Make sure your restraints are clean, no fraying, mounted correctly and within date. SFI
suggests only 2 years from the manufactured date...3 years is as far as I would go.
2. Fasten yourself into your seat...extend your arms all around...any firm object you can stretch
and touch with even your fingertips should be padded with the rollbar padding material...use
the good stuff (SFI spec)...pipe insulation or swim tubes are not good enough...if you are not
willing to useyour fist to hit the rollbar with your fist using your current padding, make the
step up...fractures cause way more pain and cost more than good padding materials. Also,
while you are there, look for any sharp edges, blunt edges, or anything else you do not want to
hit with your extremities...look for problem area around your feet and legs too.
3. See previous blog about clearance between your helmet and halo bar...enough said.
4. See previous blog about high-quality seats...they make a huge difference for a modest price.
5. Check out your fire system...although they are seldom used, if needed, it can make the
difference between the burn unit (or worse) and just changing underwear. Make sure the
cyinder is properly charged, disconnect the cables from the bottle and make sure they are
move smoothly, look for debris in the discharge nozzles, examine all the tubing and assure no
kinks or other damage...remember, before you go on-track, pull the pin so you can operate it!
6. Closely examine your front and rear firewalls and all the crush panels. Holes of any kind in
any of these areas are a problem. Using silicone to plug the tiniest ones are ok...in my opinion,
if it is bigger than a penpoint, it needs to be welded or patched. Crush panels are there for a
reason...make sure they have not been damaged and seal well...sealing a close-fitting gap with
silicone sealer is acceptable...filling a larger gap with sealer is a terrible idea.
Let's prepare to have a safe and winning season!
1. Make sure your restraints are clean, no fraying, mounted correctly and within date. SFI
suggests only 2 years from the manufactured date...3 years is as far as I would go.
2. Fasten yourself into your seat...extend your arms all around...any firm object you can stretch
and touch with even your fingertips should be padded with the rollbar padding material...use
the good stuff (SFI spec)...pipe insulation or swim tubes are not good enough...if you are not
willing to useyour fist to hit the rollbar with your fist using your current padding, make the
step up...fractures cause way more pain and cost more than good padding materials. Also,
while you are there, look for any sharp edges, blunt edges, or anything else you do not want to
hit with your extremities...look for problem area around your feet and legs too.
3. See previous blog about clearance between your helmet and halo bar...enough said.
4. See previous blog about high-quality seats...they make a huge difference for a modest price.
5. Check out your fire system...although they are seldom used, if needed, it can make the
difference between the burn unit (or worse) and just changing underwear. Make sure the
cyinder is properly charged, disconnect the cables from the bottle and make sure they are
move smoothly, look for debris in the discharge nozzles, examine all the tubing and assure no
kinks or other damage...remember, before you go on-track, pull the pin so you can operate it!
6. Closely examine your front and rear firewalls and all the crush panels. Holes of any kind in
any of these areas are a problem. Using silicone to plug the tiniest ones are ok...in my opinion,
if it is bigger than a penpoint, it needs to be welded or patched. Crush panels are there for a
reason...make sure they have not been damaged and seal well...sealing a close-fitting gap with
silicone sealer is acceptable...filling a larger gap with sealer is a terrible idea.
Let's prepare to have a safe and winning season!
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