Organizers should always prepare to handle emergencies at festivals to prevent a catastrophe. Thousands of events happen all over the country every year, from intimate celebrations to huge festivals with tens of thousands of participants. With more significant events, accidents and medical emergencies are always possible, which could result in injuries and deaths.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel are often the first responders on the scene. In most situations, they are primarily responsible for administering first-aid, stabilizing patients, and preventing further injury.
What to Expect in Emergencies at Festivals
Organizers must prepare for emergencies at festivals. Sometimes, there may be insufficient medical facilities and staff, crowd control personnel, and security. Things can get chaotic, which is why EMS personnel should do everything they can to maintain control as quickly as possible.
Fall Festivals and Octoberfest celebrations can be especially tumultuous. In November 2021, chaos erupted at the 2021 Astroworld Festival in Houston, Texas. Hundreds of attendees were injured, and ten people ultimately lost their lives when a crowd surge occurred. Security measures and medical resources were inadequate to stop or handle the disaster.
Consequences of Inadequate Medical Services
One of the most common problems with large-scale events such as festivals is inadequate medical services and facilities. Without these, attendees won’t be able to get the aid they need if an emergency arises. It could cause tragic outcomes.
Poor planning can cause chaos and result in liabilities. In poorly-organized festivals, organizers fail to supply the necessary number of stations based on the crowd size or location.
Local and state laws mandate the issuance of medical services for live events. But organizers should also determine what the particular venue requires and plan accordingly. Organizers should consider various factors, such as the weather, the number of attendees, and the crowd’s age range when planning medical services.
Medical Requirements for Emergencies at Festivals
Festival organizers should always coordinate with local EMS units when planning a significant event. But they are also responsible for providing medical care facilities and services to deal with emergency medical situations. Here is a list of essentials that all festivals should have:
First-Aid Station
A primary first aid station is the minimum requirement for any festival or large public gathering. There should be medical professionals ready to provide first aid and CPR.
Depending on the scale of the event and extenuating circumstances, a first-aid station may include a nurse or a doctor. They can assist when someone suffers an injury. All first-aid stations should have a communications system to call emergency services, supplies, and essential equipment. Everyone should know where these stations are.
Basic Life Support Ambulance
One or more ambulances should be on standby at the venue throughout the event. If this isn’t possible, festival organizers should at least ensure the availability of transport to nearby hospitals or medical facilities.
Ambulances should have essential medical monitoring and support. It may be necessary to have advanced life support (ALS) ambulance. Alternatively, organizers may arrange for Critical Care Transport (CCT).
Emergency Medical Mobile Team
An emergency mobile medical team is essential for events covering a large area or with a sizable crowd in attendance. It enables EMS personnel to reach patients or accident victims quickly, whether by foot, bicycle, or motor vehicle.
Mobile teams typically work in large events covering vast areas. But they are also helpful for races and street festivals where access to services can be difficult or limited.