NEWS
New medical database to help injured jockeys
Posted: Friday, October 10, 2008 11:44 AM
On October 3, a rider that fell following a spill in the seventh race at Keeneland Race Course benefited from the test run of a revolutionary new system that allows a jockey's medical records to be accessed within seconds and then sent with the rider to a local hospital.
The technology solutions company InCompass Solutions officially launched the Jockey Health Information System on Friday. It will be rolled out to other racetracks beginning in November.
Participation in the system is free to any racetrack or individual jockey.
The database was a collaborative effort between InCompass, The Jockey Club Technology Services Inc., the Jockeys' Guild, Keeneland Association, and Dr. Barry Schumer, Keeneland's medical director who developed the original concept for the database.
“Authorized medical staff around the country can now get a rider's medical history,” Schumer said. “The information is secure, regularly updated, and always accessible to the emergency team.”
An injured jockey's medical information will be available electronically, and in a hard copy format that can accompany the rider to a hospital.
Schumer said the information is of vital importance in the event that an injured rider is in shock, has a head injury, does not speak English, or has no family present.
Terry Meyocks, national manager of the Jockeys' Guild, hailed the initiative as “a tremendous benefit.”
“The Guild is very grateful to The Jockey Club for developing and implementing this system and for doing so on a pro bono basis for our members,” Meyocks said. “The Guild stands ready to provide assistance at all racetracks.”
