As Vendée Globe Skippers Race On, Doctor Standing by to Help

Thirteen skippers are still competing in the Vendée Globe, a non-stop solo around-the-world sailing race. There to help them in case of medical problems is Jean-Yves Chauve. The doctor's job is to stay in contact with the skippers and talk them through any health emergencies that might come up.

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4 months ago

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Jean Yves Chauve

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SUGGESTED SCRIPT : Racing around the world all alone. It's part of the thrill of the Vendée Globe … but also part of the challenge. To help skippers arrive safely, Doctor Jean-Yves Chauve is on duty constantly. He checks in via video conference - and waits for emergency medical calls. SOUNDBITE 1, Jean-Yves Chauve, Vendée Globe Doctor (French, 20 sec): "Dealing with problems in 30 or 35 knot winds is completely different than in good weather when we can suggest a different kind of care. It's really important to be able to know what's going on." [In French, "S'il y a 30 noeuds ou 35 noeuds de vent, faire des soins dans ces conditions là c'est évidemment complètement différent que de le faire un jour où il fait beau, où là on peut leur proposer des soins différents donc le fait de bien sentir ce qu'il se passe c'est très très important." UPSOUND of Jean-Yves saying: "Hello Jean, it's Jean-Yves, are you ok? [Allo jean c'est Jean-Yves, ça va ?"] Jean Yves receives a call from skipper Jean Le Cam who's been hurt in his cockpit. The doctor reviews Le Cam's medical records to make sure everything is ok. SOUNDBITE 2, Jean-Yves Chauve, Vendée Globe Doctor (French, 14 sec): "The challenge is to keep calm because I don't want to make them anxious by what I say. If they're calling me that means they're already worried. // So you always need to take a step back." [In French, "La difficulté c'est qu'il ne faut pas que moi non plus j'en fasse trop, après c'est moi qui vais le mettre un peu dans l'angoisse en se disant mais finalement si il m'appelle c'est qu'il est peut-être inquiet // donc voilà il faut rester toujours un peu en retrait."] Much like the competitors, Jean-Yves never takes a day off. He's made alcohol off limits and he won't go farther than 500 metres from his house. He wants to be ready at all times. SOUNDBITE 3, Jean-Yves Chauve, Vendée Globe Doctor (French, 14 sec): "If a skipper has to call back several times it's going to heighten his fear. That's why I'm committed to always being available and immediately reactive." [In French, "Quand un skipper va appeler, il va être angoissé, et donc évidemment si il est obligé d'appeler plusieurs fois ça va augmenter encore son angoisse donc c'est pour ça que je tiens à être absolument disponible immédiatement et réactif immédiatement."] In his office, Jean-Yves has the same first-aid kit that skippers have on their boats so he can better orient them. He also keeps photos of each yacht's cockpit to explain where to look. It's a meticulous preparation. But one he hopes not to have to use too often as skippers head for the finish line. SHOTLIST: Pornichet, France, Dec. 19 2012 Source: Sea Events / AFPTV (Camera: Aurore Mésange) -François Gabart on yacht (Sea Events) -Bernard Stamm on yacht (Sea Events) -VAR of Jean-Yves Chauve in office SOUNDBITE 1 VAR of Jean-Yves Chauve on telephone SOUNDBITE 2 -VAR of Jean-Yves Chauve in his kitchen SOUNDBITE 3 -VAR of Jean-Yves Chauve in his office -Jean-Yves Chauve looking at over ocean near his house