Emergency docs ready for F1 race

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Seton Healthcare Family along with its affiliate group, Emergency Service Partners, will be on hand next month for the first Formula One U.S. Grand Prix race at Circuit of The Americas to provide emergency medical services for fans, drivers, crew members and others directly involved in the race.

More than 120,000 people are expected to be at the track for the race weekend, Nov. 16 - 18.

In addition, Seton’s agreement with CoTA extends to providing medical staff for future events at the circuit over the next year, including other automobile races, motorcycle races and concerts.

About a dozen ESP physicians will provide emergency medical support for the F1 race at the circuit’s medical center, and another five physicians will provide helicopter medical support, officials said Thursday.

“ESP is honored to be able to play a meaningful role in this unique and prestigious event—one that will have a significant economic impact in the Austin area,” said Dr. Dennis Watts, executive vice president of business integration for ESP.

Many of the ESP physicians working the event are based at University Medical Center Brackenridge, the only Level I trauma center in the area. ESP has enjoyed a nearly 25-year relationship with the Seton Healthcare Family, which operates UMC Brackenridge.

Seton is providing nursing and clinical support for the Track Medical Center.

The ESP physicians will work the event in addition to their usual clinical workload.

At least one such physician, Dr. Corey Fearheiley, doesn’t mind that at all. An emergency physician based at Seton Medical Center Williamson in Round Rock, his daily routine includes checking five F1 websites and following updates on races and drivers around the world.

“I’ve been a huge racing fan all my life,” said Fearheiley, who has not missed an F1 race since 1991. “This is like buying a lottery ticket, assuming you’re not going to win. I’ll be so excited just to be there.”