"Marshal Down" at Hill Top

[Mark Mitchell]

Did anyone see the Renault Clio hit the tyres at Hill Top (Oulton) yesterday?

It impacted right in front of the Observers Box and a Flag Marshal was injured in the process - buried under a pile of tyres I believe.

I think he/she was alright but suffered a slight head injury.

The remaining Flag Marshal had to flag from the Observers Box for the rest of the meeting as his Flag "Point" was totally and utterly destroyed!

[Alan Green]

Having been there, seen it, and worn the lorry tyres at exactly the same post a couple of years ago, I can assure you it ain't a nice experience.

Best wishes to all involved, hopefully nothing too serious.

Al.

[Paul Millard]

i was on post at hill top a very scary moment which was very well handled by the team. big thanks to Steve, Robbie, Ken, Bob and our two flag marshals. also i would like to say thank to the guys from the lakeside who came up to help us clear up the mess cheers guys.
Paul

[Mark Mitchell]

Originally posted by Paul Millard
...i would like to say thank to the guys from the lakeside who came up to help us clear up the mess cheers guys.
Paul

You're Welcome!

[Delta Caller]

What i want to know is why the tyre wall at hill top has no conveyer belting around it like most other parts of the circuit. Maybe the poor marshal that got wiped out by tyres may have escaped injury if the wall had been belted.

[Paul Millard]

the tyre wall up their consisted of large tractor or lorry tyres with soil in and a single row of car tyres which were not attached to each other very well.
paul

[Mark Mitchell]

I'm sure a report from the MSA Steward would be forwarded to the MSA in due course.

Hopefully we won't see the introduction of debris fencing around the Observers box, but belting over the tyres would be a good idea for starters!

[Hepatic]

I was in the one of the offices after the meeting had finished watching 2 minute race highlights with the guy that got hit. He was dead excited about seeing what happened, then when he saw it his expression changed quite markedly. He then walked out of the door and was heard to shout expletives from the hall...

One lucky guy, but it was nice to hear the driver involved made the effort to come and see how he was too.

[Stuart Hill]

Originally posted by Hepatic
I was in the one of the offices after the meeting had finished watching 2 minute race highlights with the guy that got hit. He was dead excited about seeing what happened, then when he saw it his expression changed quite markedly. He then walked out of the door and was heard to shout expletives from the hall...

One lucky guy, but it was nice to hear the driver involved made the effort to come and see how he was too.

plus......

the tv company are organising a video for him
plus....
trying to replace the cap that the marshal lost
plus....
team and driver went to check-up on marshal
plus....
I think some team goodies are on their way to said marshal......
but......

what about us poor souls at Island who had the C**P scared out of us having viewed the entire incident ???

seriously though, glad to hear that there were no serious injuries.

Anyone who knows the marshal involved should give him a ring just to say Hi, how you doing?
I know it helped me after a similar incident.

[Paul Millard]

It was discussed by some of us at hill top after the incident that when a big accident happens all the personnel involved in the incident should have a phone call a few days later from the organising club checking to make sure their all ok and that they do not need any further help (e.g. counselling) I have no hesitation in admitting that after the incident I was worried when cars were side by side approaching the post this soon faded but it was still their in the background.

Paul. p.s I will still be back for the Clio’s at Thruxton next weekend.

[Piglet]

BARC have a contract with an organisation that provides counselling and other assistance. Anyone who feels that they (or someone else) hase been effected by an incident should contact BARC.

In reality it would be difficult for them to contact anyone other than those directly involved - they don't really know who will have seen what etc. I think the protocol is that the Observer should ensure that the Chief Marshal or BARC are aware of anyone who may need to be followed up.

If you're concerned about someone on the day, make your concerns known to Race Control and they will ask the chief MO to ensure that the wheels are put in motion to support those involved in whatever way they feel is necessary. Make sure YOU look after all the members in your team, don't wait for someone else to do it.

[Mark Mitchell]

The BARC do have a specialised councelling team which I'm sure will be aware of Chris's incident!

[b1ackcr0w]

I think what Stu was getting at is, while BARC undoubtedly provide a superb scheme, if a suitable opportunity arises, could somebody also pass the regards of all the ten-tenther marshals to our man? Just let him know that a lot of people are thinking about him and want him to get better.

I'm sure in a similar situation, it would cheer me up a bit.

[Stuart Hill]

Originally posted by b1ackcr0w
I think what Stu was getting at is, while BARC undoubtedly provide a superb scheme, if a suitable opportunity arises, could somebody also pass the regards of all the ten-tenther marshals to our man? Just let him know that a lot of people are thinking about him and want him to get better.

I'm sure in a similar situation, it would cheer me up a bit.

The support I received on the day was ok but........

the phone calls during the following week (from some people I did not even realise had my phone number) were never ending.
Lots of advice, suggestions but, above all, people who just wanted to allow me to talk. Made such as difference!!

But as I learnt this week-end.....

we are all taught how to "Marshal" but we are never taught how to deal with "Death" or "Nearlys" !

this is not a criticism of any training, just a realisation of some of the situations that we marshals may find ourselves in.

We are NOT heroes, just humans. therefore we may feel affected by certain incidents.
So what I would say is:

if you (whoever you are), see a fellow marshal have to endure something that you would not like to have been involved with, then maybe they'd like a phone call, if only to discuss it with you.

Trust me, it really does make a difference.

so if anyone has the phone number of the marshal at Hilltop then please send it to me, via pm, as I saw his incident and also have a good idea just what he/they have gone through.

[Sheila M]

Originally posted by crazystu
The support I received on the day was ok but........

the phone calls during the following week (from some people I did not even realise had my phone number) were never ending.
Lots of advice, suggestions but, above all, people who just wanted to allow me to talk. Made such as difference!!

But as I learnt this week-end.....

we are all taught how to "Marshal" but we are never taught how to deal with "Death" or "Nearlys" !

this is not a criticism of any training, just a realisation of some of the situations that we marshals may find ourselves in.

We are NOT heroes, just humans. therefore we may feel affected by certain incidents.
So what I would say is:

if you (whoever you are), see a fellow marshal have to endure something that you would not like to have been involved with, then maybe they'd like a phone call, if only to discuss it with you.

Trust me, it really does make a difference.

so if anyone has the phone number of the marshal at Hilltop then please send it to me, via pm, as I saw his incident and also have a good idea just what he/they have gone through.

Stu I agree with every word you say. After a certain incident at Post 11 at Mallory a few years ago, I was made only too aware how human we are. The support received from various quarters made me realise what a wonderful bunch of people marshals are.

Steve and I are both available for anyone to talk to if they don't want counselling but just want a chat with someone who's been there, done that and understands totally.

[Woolley]

Phew, just seen it on Motors (taped from last night) and it looked terrifying. Whoever you are, we're all thinking of you and hoping everything's ok.

[Nadine J Lewis]

For your information the marshal involved was OK and has been contacted directly by the North Region BMMC Chairman. As the Chairman also allocated posts for the Flag marshals he knew them quite well. We look forward to him returning to Oulton Park on Saturday.

[Mark Mitchell]

Is anyone able to let me borrow the tape tomorrow at Oulton?

I can return it for the AMOC meeting on Monday!