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Arbon P Mass-gathering medicine: a review of the evidence and future directions for research. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2007; 22:(2)131-5 https://doi.org/10.1017/S1049023X00004507

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evidence
injury
patient care
injury

Mass-gathering medical care: a retrospective analysis

02 November 2015
Features
02 November 2015
Volume 7 · Issue 11

Abstract

Background:

Patient care at mass-gathering events presents a unique challenge both in terms of organisation and the delivery of care.

Methods:

We carried out a retrospective analysis of women and children attending the designated first aid area of a large-scale international annual religious event in Alton, Hampshire in the United Kingdom (UK). Data analysis was done for the years 2011–2013, inclusive.

Results:

There was a consistent increase in attendees with an associated rise in the total number of patients. The top 10 medical conditions encountered remained similar throughout the years 2011–2013. There was a significant burden of chronic conditions in our cohort.

Conclusions:

This study adds to the body of knowledge by providing conditions that are commonly seen in a large-scale mass gathering setting. The patient demographic highlighted in the results can be used to plan and prepare for future mass gatherings in many different contexts.

The concept of mass-gathering medicine originated from the need for organised medical care when a large number of people gather in one place (Leonard, 1996). Mass-gathering medicine explores the health effects and risks that can arise in such settings, as well as strategies that contribute positively to effective health services delivery during these events (Arbon, 2007).

The niche for this field of health care arose from the fact that mass-gathering events have been shown to generate a higher incidence of injury and illness than would be otherwise anticipated, considering the implication of it being a collection of ‘well people’ (Franaszek, 1986; Thompson et al, 1991; Parrillo and Stearns, 2001). The presence of an on-site physician enhances overall care, reduces liability and allows safe disposition of certain patients back to the event without transport to a local medical facility (Boyle et al, 1993).

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Alton
Mass gathering
Medical care
Religious event