00:00Despite the remoteness and often solitude of competing in the Dakar, competitors are
00:10never completely alone.
00:13During the race, real-time data is constantly being transmitted back to the race headquarters,
00:18located in Paris but also on-site in Saudi Arabia, known as the PCO.
00:24This enables the PCO to monitor positions and track competitors, taking action if there
00:28is a potential problem.
00:30For instance, if a competitor suddenly stops, the PCO use the tracking system to contact
00:35him.
00:36If the competitor is not able to answer or he is injured, the PCO either send directly
00:40a medical team, helicopter or ambulance, and could contact a nearby competitor to assist
00:46the injured one while waiting for the medical team.
00:49Mutual assistance between competitors is central in the spirit of the Dakar and is part of
00:53its DNA.
00:55Competitors will not lose time for helping others in case of medical issue.
01:00On average, from the distress signal until the arrival of the helicopter, the medical
01:04team can assist all competitors in less than 15 minutes, faster than in Paris.
01:10Injured riders are transported to the medical center in the bivouac for further checking.
01:15The medical team is composed by around 85 people.
01:18In the bivouac, a field hospital is equipped to handle a wide range of medical interventions.
01:24Indeed, 35 doctors and specialists, such as surgeons, emergency doctors, radiologists,
01:29anesthetists, but also 25 nurses and 10 osteopaths, are prepared to provide comprehensive care.
01:35Beside, 6 medical helicopters, 11 medical cars, 1 medical plane, but also firefighters
01:41with extrication equipment, complete all the medical squad.
01:46All race vehicles are equipped with an alert system known as Sentinel.
01:51This alerts competitors to the presence of other race vehicles.
01:54It facilitates overtaking between them, but also increases the safety in case of opposite directions.
02:01The race vehicles also have GPS unit provided by the race organizers that gives all route
02:06information in one device, including the roadbook, all distances information, caps, waypoints
02:12list, speed restrictions.
02:15The roadbook guides the competitors and mentions waypoints and checkpoints that they have to
02:19validate in order to complete the special stage.
02:23The Dakar organization has always pursued high safety and security goals.
02:28Since 2021, all bike riders have to wear an airbag jacket.
02:32Some other measures have been taken.
02:34Reducing the speed, creation of a sound alert before each danger.
