Hi, I am an EMT and ex-firefighter/capt. , and I have extensive experience doing medical support for offroad events, desert, staduium, motocross, mtn bike etc. all this was done on a volunteer basis. Now that I have moved from So. Cal to Ohio, I have gotten away from dirt and into boating, and was wondering what the sanctioning bodies do for medical support. I would like to become involved and feel my skills while from a different venue would be applicable and would allow me to combine my passion for the water with my passion for helping others. If anyone can give me some contacts or guidance to become involved, it would be greatly appreciated. thanks.

Check out the OPARacing.com site. There are 3 or 4 races close to you and am sure we can always use more help.

Send a PM to OffshoreRescue - Bruce and his crew have done several of the races. He should be able to help you.

Absolutely contact Wazzup Racing (Smitty) here on the board. He is the Pres of OPA and can hook you up. In doing so you will join some of the finest people I have ever met doing this race stuff. The med support and divers that back up all the race organizations are second to none and as dedicated as any volunteers in the sport. You will end up in on all the background stuff, meet some fantastic people, and usually end up with a great view of the race. And if you're up for it you might get to jump out of a helicopter And when the day is done, even if you haven't pulled anyone's fat out of the fire, you are still likely to have a few free drinks bought for you

ok..hate to say it, but I draw the line there...been dangled from a helicopter twice doing rescues...thats it..I dont do heights anymore!!! I can run jump crawl and do a pretty mean doggie paddle..but I do not have wings and I will not try and fly again

Phragle,
I got your PM and sent you one back. Give me a shout at some point,
and we can BS a little on this subject. I have been volunteering my time,
and energy to this sport for going on about 7 years now. It is as addicting
as any drug, and the people you meet, and places you can go are incredible.

There is nothing like it on the planet. Don't worry about the heights thing.

But to be honest, travelling at 120+ mph 20-30 feet off of the water is a trip
Just don't hang your head out the door like you dog does (you might loose
your tongue)

We shall see where offshore racing in the Great Lakes takes us, but if I'm involved,
the more the merrier. Bring what ya got, the rest is easy.

Peace