Around 170 medical professionals are completing their final preparations ahead of next weekend's Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

A series of mock drills and live exercises are taking place to test their readiness in case of an emergency, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

 Specialists on duty during the F1 race weekend, which gets underway next Friday, will include experts in neurosurgery, plastic surgery, general surgery, orthopaedics and anaesthesia.

Race chief medical officer for Bahrain Dr Amjad Obaid said the team is ready to host the highly anticipated race at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, as it also marks the 10th anniversary.

"The Bahrain F1 medical team has 170 members this year who are all trained professionals in different fields," he said.

"We have conducted mock drills that included extrication exercises and emergency rescue plans that have all been successful."

Dr Obaid said all the drills were monitored by Federation Internationale de l'Automobile, motorsport's governing body.

The race is being held at night for the first time in Bahrain, which has given the role of the medics a new dimension.

"The track looks beautiful with the new lights and we are ready for the challenge, just like any other race," he said.

"Our medical team will be on stand-by and moving around on foot to assist spectators in case of any emergency or provide first aid.

"This year we are not only excited about the night race but also the weather conditions because it will be pleasant, which rules out cases of heat exhaustion that we have dealt with in the past.

"The F1 medical centre will be open round-the-clock during the race."

Eleven ambulances and extrication and medical intervention teams will be available during the race.

Food inspectors from the Health Ministry will also examine all snacks and meals served to F1 teams, marshals and visitors.

"The BDF Hospital and Salmaniya Medical Complex will be on stand-by and arrangements are finalised to receive cases, if there is a need," said Dr Obaid.

An air ambulance helicopter by the Royal Bahrain Medical Services will also be present in case of an emergency.

Meanwhile, key members of the F1 medical team, Bahrain International Circuit and Bahrain Motor Federation will take part in a two-day workshop starting tomorrow.

It will be held under the patronage of Health Minister Sadiq Al Shehabi and international experts have been invited to brief the participants on latest developments, emergency plans and the basic concept of marshalling, among other topics.-TradeArabia News Service