Mass Gathering Medicine: A Review

Abstract

Abbreviations: ED = emergency department EMS = emergency medical services EMT = emergency medical technician AbstractThe provision for emergency medical care for spectators and participants at large events is a growing area of interest. This article describes the definition and characteristics of medical care at mass gatherings. The literature is reviewed with regard to the planning, organization, personnel, and staffing required at these events. The equipment and transportation assets needed are also discussed. Disaster and mass casualty planning implications also are described.

Mass-Gathering Medicine: A Review of the Evidence and Future Directions for Research

“…6 In this review, De Lorenzo noted the lack of uniform standards for services, the wide variations apparent in casualty rates for similar events, and argued that a range of factors associated with the event including event type, weather, and differences in the data collection techniques employed were important causes of this wide variation.…”

“…These goals include: (1) establishing rapid access to the injured or ill patients, and providing triage; (2) effectively and timely stabilizing and transporting seriously injured or acutely ill patients; and (3) providing on-site care for minor injuries and illnesses. 5,6 The decision to provide on-site care for minor problems is complex, and De Lorenzo argues that the services provided should reflect the needs of patrons and the desires of event sponsors. 6 Confounding factors include those events with large a geographic spread, a captive audience, and/or a local hospital system that could be overloaded.…”

“…6 Confounding factors include those events with large a geographic spread, a captive audience, and/or a local hospital system that could be overloaded. 6 …”

“…6 Mass-gathering medicine is founded on relatively low levels of evidence. The absence of theory and common research frameworks and definitions contributed to considerable variations in the standards applied within mass-gathering health guidelines and legislation.…”

“…In 2002, Milsten et al 4 provided an extensive literature review using searches of Medline and Healthstar from 1997 to May 2002, in effect taking stock of progress over the five-year period since the De Lorenzo 6 and Michael and Barbera 7 reviews. The paper revisits and reviews the multiple, interacting variables that add an element of uncertainty to planning for mass gatherings and argues that an improved understanding of these variables could improve event planning.…”