Wantage: Williams deploys pit-stop techniques to resuscitate new-born babies
Williams has been bringing Formula One pit-stop know-how to assist the neonatal unit at the University Hospital of Wales (UHW) in Cardiff in the resuscitation of new-born babies.
Recognising that both neonatal resuscitations and Formula One pit-stops require a team of people to work seamlessly in a time critical and space-limited environment, the resuscitation team at UHW has had members of the Williams Formula One team at the hospital for an exploratory meeting to discuss how Formula One techniques and processes could be incorporated into their work. In return, members of the neonatal team have visited the Williams factory in Oxfordshire to observe the team practice pit-stops to see first-hand how they operate.
In Formula One, a pit crew can change all four tyres on a car in around two seconds, with a team of nearly 20 people working in unison to successfully service a car. Williams has a dedicated human-performance specialist who works with its pitcrew to fine tune the technique, processes, team work and health and fitness of team members. Its experience and expertise thus make it an ideal primary advisor to the hospital.
Following the exchange of visits, the neonatal team has identified and started implementing a number of changes to improve its resuscitation processes by deploying practices based on those used in Formula One racing. The resuscitation equipment trolley has been audited and streamlined to ensure that equipment can be located as quickly as possible. A standardised floor space has been mapped out in delivery theatres to clearly show the area for the neonatal resuscitation team to position itself in working. Formula One communications are in the course of being applied, including the use of a “radio-check” prior to a resuscitation and greater use of hand signals rather than verbal communication. There is now video analysis of a resuscitation; and following a resuscitation debrief meetings have become standard.
Dr Rachel Hayward, specialist registrar in neonates at the hospital, has said of the project: “Resuscitation of a compromised neonate at delivery is time critical. Delays can have marked consequences for survival or the development of long term complications; and there is a growing amount of evidence to support a systematic approach.”
Claire Williams, deputy team principal of Williams, added: “If some of the advice we have passed on helps to save a young life then this would have been an extremely worthy endeavour. We are increasingly finding that Formula One know-how and technology can have benefit to other industries and this is a great example.”
