JUNE 2004
FROM DIRT BIKES TO PAT DOCTOR
23 June 04 - There’s always something new to experience in every expedition. This is especially true for Dr Khairuddin Mohd Ali, the new PETRONAS Adventure Team’s doctor for the expedition to Northern Africa.
Dr Khairuddin, a father of four, lives with his wife, who is also a medical doctor in Muadzam Shah, Pahang.
As support for his dirt bike hobby, he needed a 4-wheel drive vehicle. He got the 2-door Hi-Lux but little did he realise that would soon spell the end of his racing days!
His 4WD friends gradually coaxed him into joining them in their adventures. He met Halim Rahman, the PAT expedition leader about 3 years ago and since then has volunteered his services as a physician for many an event including PETRONAS Motorsports and Petronita.
In this coming expedition, Dr Khairuddin expects health problems to include mental and physical exhaustion. The hot weather, plus the scarce supply of water, may also result in heat stroke and exhaustion, he said.
During the briefing on July 10, he’ll discuss with each member about his or her personal health concerns. High-risk members will also be kept note of during the expedition. In his briefing, he will advise members about taking the necessary precautions to prevent heat stroke and safe water consumption like treating water from the oasis before drinking.
If team members have a health concern, they can always drop by Dr Khairuddin’s mobile clinic at the end of each expedition day. The clinic is open for about 2 hours, so that the doctor can also take care of his needs – setting up camp and preparing for the day ahead.
