Meet Arjun Gautam

Above: Arjun in Race Control

In Feburary 2019, I first heard about the volunteering opportunity at the motorsport event (WBSK) in Philip island from my Lecturer (who was also volunteering for a long time in such events). This was an opportunity to volunteer in a medical team for World Superbike Racing. I had never done volunteering at such an international event before, so I was curious and excited to apply for it. It was a three days event. I participated in the event with a few other friends from my UNI. It was an amazing experience. It was an exposure to a whole different environment, which I had never experienced before. I have always had an interest in superbikes, so I enjoyed the racing but at the same time to be there to assess and triage the riders in the event when they crash was a whole different experience. That adrenaline rush… was addictive.

These events also provided an opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and professions. doctors, nurses, paramedics, other nursing students and Marshalls who have been attending these events for a long time… some were volunteering for 20+ years and some have been travelling from different states just to attend the event… Getting to know new people and having the opportunity to volunteer was an amazing experience.

I get to have a break from my work and the work environment and driving down to Philip Island also gives me the opportunity to refresh myself.

I have been volunteering for 4 years and will be attending the events in the future as well.

By Arjun Gautam

Registered Nurse

Above: Arjun with Mike Jones, Australian World Superbikes rider