Preparedness for Mass Gatherings: Factors to Consider According to the Rescue Authorities

Abstract

Background: Mass gatherings cause a need for multi-authority preparedness in order to ensure the safety of the event participants and to minimize delays in response for emergencies. Rescue authorities are key players in the pre-planning phase; however, their own point of view regarding all aspects of preparedness for mass gatherings is not well known. The aim of this study was to investigate what factors, according to the rescue authorities, need to be considered when preparing for mass gatherings. Method: Semi-structured thematic interviews were carried out with the rescue authorities involved in the mass gathering planning process (n = 15). The transcribed material was analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results: Three main categories emerged from the interviews: (1) co-operation in the pre-planning phase, (2) factors to be noted in the emergency plan, and (3) actions during the event. These categories were divided into 11 generic categories, which were further divided into 42 sub-categories. Conclusion: Rescue authorities recognized various factors considering preparedness for mass gatherings. Knowledge considering the dispersion of operative workload during the event needs further investigation in order to facilitate the effective use of limited operative resources.

Preparedness for mass gatherings: rescue and emergency medical services’ workloads during mass gathering events

“…Our results confirm previous findings that showed that most missions during MG events are allocated to EMS, whereas the increase in the rescue service workload is minor [ 1 , 6 ]. Furthermore, previous studies support the finding that MG events impact local healthcare resources [ 2 , 3 , 31 , 38 ].…”

“…As resources in smaller settlements may be more easily overwhelmed than in bigger cities, event organizers’ own levels of preparedness need special focus and attention. This conclusion is supported by previous studies indicating that austere environments also create a need for stronger preparedness for event organizers [ 6 , 30 ].…”

“…Our findings also showed that the workloads peaked at certain times of day, especially at night-time in the vicinity of the event area. According to previous studies, authorities need to pre-allocate additional resources for MG events, but this preparedness should concentrate on the outskirts of the event area [ 6 , 39 ].…”

“…The World Health Organization criteria for MGs is that they are organized or spontaneous events where attendance is sufficient to strain local planning and response resources [ 5 ]. According to earlier studies, an increased workload during MG events especially affects emergency medical services (EMS) [ 1 , 6 – 8 ]. The workload for rescue services seems to be concentrated mainly in the pre-event phase, focusing on the emergency planning process [ 6 ].…”

“…According to earlier studies, an increased workload during MG events especially affects emergency medical services (EMS) [ 1 , 6 – 8 ]. The workload for rescue services seems to be concentrated mainly in the pre-event phase, focusing on the emergency planning process [ 6 ]. Previous research has shown that MG environmental characteristics that influence workload include on-site medical care [ 9 – 19 ], the event type, location and duration [ 20 , 21 ] and the weather conditions [ 22 , 23 ].…”