By Art Hsieh
Special event coverage can present major challenges for any fire and EMS agency. For large events that cover great distances, the logistics of managing onsite, as well as nearby medical incidents can be very difficult. Large numbers of pedestrians, closed off roadways and being able to maintain staffing levels are all issues to be planned for and dealt with during the event.
This study on the response times to medical events during marathons, as well as the 30-day mortality rate, documents the impact of major events on residents who live near the event.
It appears that on marathon days, patients who needed an emergency medical response experienced a delay in receiving an ambulance. They also suffered a worse mortality rate than those who were transported on non-marathon days. While it makes intuitive sense, the data supports a more in-depth look at operational planning for major events.
Special event coverage
Here are four tips to consider when planning for special event coverage.
1. The devil is in the details
There are many operational issues to consider when planning a special event response. The size and type of crowds, weather, duration of the event, location and geographic distribution of participants are just a few.
Addressing these issues will, in turn, guide emergency management officials in the number of transport units needed, whether foot, bike or other motorized unit response vehicles should be used, the placement of evacuation locations, the need for stationary medical care and the support operations needed to manage all of it.
2. Think outside the (posting) box
If the event is so large as to isolate neighborhoods from normal response locations, it becomes necessary to post transport units temporarily to these locations for better coverage. Protocols may need to be modified to allow longer scene times and even treat-and-release activities to occur, if transportation becomes a logistical impossibility.
3. Play in the sandbox together
Large special events cannot be managed by any single agency. In addition to working with law enforcement and fire suppression agencies, permitting departments, public works, sanitation, private security firms and the event planners themselves may all have a stake in the logistical planning and implementation of event coverage. Receiving hospitals may need to be involved in order to plan for additional surge capacity in case of heat, mass-casualty or drug intensive events.
4. Hope for the best, plan for the worst
Large-scale events can be prime targets of either international or domestic terrorism. First responders need to be very conscious of their own safety as well as the safety of the event staff, volunteers and participants. Secondary violent acts present a very real potential in situations where large numbers of spectators are involved.
Large special events happen year-round, not just in the spring and summer. Fire and EMS agencies are busy planning for the management of these otherwise joyful gatherings and providing the safety net for all involved.
About the author
Art Hsieh, MA, NRP teaches in Northern California at the Public Safety Training Center, Santa Rosa Junior College in the Emergency Care Program. An EMS provider since 1982, Art has served as a line medic, supervisor and chief officer in the private, third service and fire-based EMS. He has directed both primary and EMS continuing education programs.
This article, originally published in April 2017, has been updated with a video and additional resources