Trail bike medic's race was a first

Christopher O'Leary

13Jun08

Three members of the medical team were volunteered for Finke duties are surgical ward nurse Chris Barnden, Dr Rob Dominguez and Dr Michael Nguyen. Picture: Justin Brierty

A DOCTOR on a dirt bike was on the spot within minutes to treat fallen Finke crash victim David Schmidt.

But despite the medics' best efforts on Sunday, Mr Schmidt died soon after.

Anaesthetist Dr Michael Thumm said he arrived at the scene within five minutes after Mr Schmidt slammed into a tree.

It was the first time in the history of the Finke Desert Race that a doctor followed competitors on a bike, adding to the race's substantial arsenal of medical staff and paramedics in ambulances and on board helicopters.

Dr Thumm, who has raced in the Finke, said having a bike gave medics extra mobility.

Race medical director Dr Rob Dominguez asked Dr Thumm to ride during the Finke, and said he was a useful member of the team.

Dr Dominguez said: ``Riders knew he was on the track, so they could approach him and he could then help.''

Fourteen medical staff, including doctors and nurses, volunteered their time to work with paramedics treating injured competitors and spectators.

Fellow medic Dr Mike Nguyen said the majority of competitor injuries were broken bones.