When it all goes wrong at the 'Ring.

When it goes properly wrong at the ‘Ring.

A wise old friend, now sadly departed, used to tell us it was always a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’.
He was talking about having an accident on the Nordschleife, and his view was each additional lap was another roll of the dice and crashing was therefore inevitable. We used to disagree of course, firm in our belief that each lap finished was simply more experience and we were therefore better equipped to safely complete the next and so on.

Well he was right, and we were wrong.

Schockraum trauma room nurburgring — The trauma room you never want to see.

The fact is, there are so many variables on the Nordschleife over a lap that accidents remain a stubborn possibility for the keen sport driver regardless of their personal skill.

You can tip the odds in your favour of course. By choosing to drive in fine weather only, by choosing quiet sessions over busy ones, less popular weekends and so on. You can choose an organised track day on the Nürburgring instead of a public session, employ a professional instructor – all worthy actions to reduce risk. But if, like us, you want to drive the Nordschleife in as many different conditions as possible, you have to accept the possibility of an accident.

Here, in this article, is not the place to discuss insurance. We will deal with that in another blog post. We don’t even want to discuss the costs of crashes at the Nürburgring, we can do that later and it’s well documented elsewhere on the web.

Paramedic Nurburgring accident — Paramedics at the Nürburgring outside the hospital.

Instead we want to give you some practical advice as to what to expect if you’re injured in an accident on the Ring. When it’s all gone properly wrong.

Remain calm. Do not panic. Focus on your breathing and mental state. Forget about everything else.
Listen carefully to the professionals, and let them help you. They have a well rehearsed procedure to follow – for your benefit – so let them do their job. Remember they are acting in your best interest.
We strongly recommend keeping a copy of your medical/travel insurance policy in the car, and another copy in your pocket . If you have one – carry your European Health Insurance Card* in your pocket too.
If the paramedic/hospital staff do not have either of these documents immediately, they will need your credit card to start to charge you for their services – even if you are an EU citizen* – but you may be able to reclaim these costs from your home EU country, or your insurer.
As a minimum, there is a charge for the paramedic, a charge for the ambulance transfer, a charge for any stay in hospital and a charge for any medicines they need to give you.
Make sure someone else knows where to find your documents – in case you cannot speak for yourself due to injury.
Store your insurers phone number and policy number in your phone for quick reference. Share these details with a friend who can speak for you if you cannot speak for yourself.
Keep a copy of your vehicle registration/insurance documents in your car, and another copy in your pocket. While you’re getting medical treatment, the tow/recovery staff will not release your vehicle to anyone without proof of ownership and your vehicle will be taken to the storage facility until you can go and get it.
There will be a charge for any vehicle storage, just like there is a charge for any track damage.
Again, above all else, listen to the health professionals caring for you. They have your best interests at heart.

* At the time of writing the UK has entered the transition phase of withdrawing from the EU and the EHIC card is still valid.

From the 1st January 2021 onwards, you should prepare for possible changes to your access to healthcare if you’re travelling to or from the UK.

In all instances, you should continue to buy comprehensive travel/medical insurance.

Check your insurance policy has the necessary healthcare cover to ensure you get any treatment you may need.

If you are unfortunate enough to be injured you will be cared for by the Nürburgring’s own medical teams in the first instance, and if it’s more serious you will be transferred to the hospital ‘Maria-Hilf’ in Daum. Click here for directions.

This is not meant to be an exhaustive account of every step you can expect. Just a few pointers that can really help you and your friends in an emergency.

Take care and enjoy your laps in the Green Hell, and remember – safety first!
Your DN team.

When it all goes wrong at the ‘Ring.