Having told the story of the genesis of the “Clinica Mobile” in the first part, let us now come to its current operation. The Clinica is now in its fifth generation, and led by Doctor Michele Zasa (above with Valentino Rossi), who explained to Inside Line Media the functioning of the institution, its organization and its future.
“Many aspects have changed over the years for the Clinica Mobile, which was the only source of care until the establishment of medical centers in all circuits in the 1980s, explains Michele Zasa. Nowadays, injured pilots are first taken to the medical center for the first emergency phase. Afterwards, they are transferred to the hospital if the injury is serious. A doctor from Clinica Mobile always accompanies the pilot to the hospital. This is essential to facilitate communication between pilots and foreign doctors. For simple fractures or trauma in general, pilots can be followed directly by Clinica Mobile.
“Structure and facilities have significantly changed and improved. The truck we use now is much larger and fully equipped with everything we need to perform excellent medical service. Important changes have been introduced in terms of technology and innovation: two years ago we bought a very good X-ray machine that detects small fractures that in the past we could not see. Additionally, in the field of physical therapy, we use several devices like lasers, diathermy and magnetotherapy. Work and data management is enhanced by a platform we created with a partner last year, to keep track of medical interventions and collect driver data. With this solution we can make statistics at the end of the season and analyze how we can improve and plan our services. With the 2016 season, a mobile application will be integrated within this platform so that drivers will be able to book their treatment in advance.
What is a typical Grand Prix weekend like the Clinica?
“As most drivers arrive at the circuit on Wednesday, some of the staff are already available from that day, and from Thursday to Sunday afternoon my whole team works at full speed. Weekend days are definitely the busiest, not only for injuries that might occur on the track, but also for physical therapy needs. Many riders come in every day for a massage or specific therapy to recover from previous injuries, or simply to improve their performance and relax.
"Normally pilots receive their treatment at our unit, but some of them like Valentino Rossi, prefer to avoid the paddock crowd and have a massage at their camper van. Anyone can come to the Clinica Mobile, it's a service for the entire paddock and even a commentator with a sore throat or a mechanic with back pain can easily access treatment.
Finally, what are the plans for the future of Clinica Mobile?
“We are currently working on a project for the next season, to expand our unit and build a structure on two levels, in order to increase the available space and offer more services to the pilots, especially in terms of rehabilitation after accidents. For example, we would like to offer a gymnasium with specific equipment and a swimming pool for injury rehabilitation. Currently we are looking for main partners and technical sponsors to support this project and allow us to accelerate the creation of the new Clinica Mobile. »
