The Top 5 Common Medical Emergencies at Large Events and How to Handle Them
Handling Event Medical Issues
Large events, from music festivals to sporting occasions, draw huge crowds that create an exciting atmosphere. However, with large gatherings come the potential for medical emergencies. Having the right event medical cover in place can make a significant difference in managing these incidents swiftly and effectively. Here are the top five common medical emergencies at large events and how to handle them:
1. Cardiac Arrest or Chest Pain
Cardiac emergencies are one of the most critical situations at large events. A sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can occur without warning, often affecting individuals in good health. Symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or palpitations should be taken seriously.
How to Handle It:
Event medical teams should be equipped with defibrillators (AEDs) and have staff trained in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) techniques. The key to saving lives is quick action, and AEDs can significantly increase survival chances if administered within minutes. Immediate assessment and rapid response are essential.
2. Dehydration and Heat-Related Illnesses
Particularly during warm weather events, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke are common, especially in crowded areas where people are moving or standing for long periods. Symptoms can include dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and even confusion or fainting.
How to Handle It:
Ensure that water stations are available throughout the venue, and provide shade or cooling areas for attendees. Event medical staff should be able to quickly identify the signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion and provide rehydration, cooling, and rest. Severe cases may require intravenous fluids and further monitoring. It is essential to monitor high-risk groups, including the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing conditions.
3. Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergic Reactions)
Allergic reactions to food, insect stings, or medications can be life-threatening if not treated swiftly. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, hives, and dizziness. Anaphylaxis can escalate rapidly, so quick medical intervention is crucial.
How to Handle It:
Event medical cover should include staff trained in recognising the symptoms of anaphylaxis and equipped with adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPens). Immediate administration of adrenaline is essential to reverse the symptoms and stabilise the individual. Having a plan for managing food allergens and ensuring attendees know where to find assistance is equally important.
4. Trauma and Injuries
From slips, trips, and falls to more serious accidents, injuries are a common occurrence at large events. The chaos of a crowded environment, combined with the presence of stages, vehicles, and heavy equipment, increases the risk of injury. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, cuts, and head injuries.
How to Handle It:
Event medical teams should be trained in trauma care, including first aid for fractures, bleeding control, and concussion management. Immediate treatment, such as bandaging wounds or splinting limbs, can be life-saving. In severe cases, it is crucial to have a clear evacuation and ambulance transport plan to ensure injured individuals receive prompt care at a hospital or treatment centre.
5. Seizures
Seizures, whether caused by epilepsy or other medical conditions, can occur in crowded or stressful environments. Although they are often not life-threatening, they require swift intervention and appropriate management to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual.
How to Handle It:
Medical staff should have a clear protocol for handling seizures, including ensuring the person's safety by moving nearby obstacles and positioning them to avoid injury. Administering oxygen and providing post-seizure care, such as reassurance and monitoring, is important. If seizures last for more than five minutes or if they occur repeatedly, patients will require emergency medication which can only be administered by paramedics or doctors.
The Importance of Event Medical Cover
Having comprehensive event medical cover in place is vital for managing these common medical emergencies effectively. Well-trained medical personnel, from paramedics to doctors, should be present at large events to provide immediate care. Additionally, event organisers should work with medical service providers like Met Medical to ensure that medical equipment, including defibrillators, first aid kits, and oxygen supplies, are readily available.
For large events, a risk assessment is essential to ensure that medical cover matches the scale and nature of the event. Pre-event planning, including clear communication with local emergency services, ensures that any medical situation can be managed swiftly.