Racing to Save Lives: Lessons from Formula 1 for Emergency Services

When seconds count, precision, preparation, and teamwork can make the difference between winning and losing—whether that’s on the racetrack or in the field of emergency services. In this high-energy and thought-provoking session, Rob Lawrence, EMS leader and Formula One Race Marshal, draws striking parallels between the world of motorsport and the realities of EMS response. Drawing from firsthand experience standing just inches from 200 MPH action at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Lawrence reveals what emergency responders can learn from Formula One’s culture of safety, split-second decision-making, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Attendees will explore how F1 principles—team coordination, risk management, and performance optimization—translate directly to EMS operations, from Pit Crew CPR to dispatch strategy and field response. Through real-world examples and dynamic storytelling, this session will inspire participants to adopt an “F1 mindset” of continual learning and refinement: practicing until precision is second nature, integrating technology to enhance—not replace—human judgment, and embracing a safety culture that never compromises speed or care.