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Formula One Night Race in Singapore: A 4-Year Analysis of a Planned Mass Gathering

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 September 2014

Weng Hoe Ho ,
Kristi L. Koenig  and
Lit Sin Quek
Weng Hoe Ho*
Affiliation:
Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore Emergency Medicine Department, National University Health System, Singapore
Kristi L. Koenig
Affiliation:
Center for Disaster Medical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CaliforniaUSA
Lit Sin Quek
Affiliation:
Emergency Medicine Department, Alexandra Hospital, Singapore
*
Correspondence: Weng Hoe Ho, MBBS, MRCS, M Med Emergency Medicine Department National University Hospital 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road Singapore 119074 E-mail weng_hoe_ho@nuhs.edu.sg
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Abstract

Introduction

Every mass gathering presents its unique characteristics that influence medical resource utilization. Medical planning for mass gatherings involves both use of predictive models and analysis of data from similar past events. This study aimed to describe the medical presentations and the unique challenges influencing medical planning at the Formula One Singtel Singapore Grand Prix, the inaugural Formula One night race. Patient presentation characteristics, rates of patient presentation, and transportation to hospitals in association with attendance and heat index were evaluated over a 4-year period from 2009 through 2012. This will facilitate medical planning for similar events.

Methods

A database containing patient presentations from the 3-day Singapore Grand Prix in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 was analyzed. Patient presentations were categorized by time of day and presenting complaints. Patient presentation rates (PPRs) were analyzed to determine correlation with attendance numbers and heat index.

Results

The average annual attendance at the Singapore Grand Prix was 81,992 from 2009 through 2012. The average PPR was 2.17 (SD=0.63)/1,000 attendees. The average transport to hospital rate (TTHR) was 0.033 (SD=0.026)/1,000 attendees. While medical coverage was provided at the circuit park between 2:00 pm to 1:00 am daily, most attendees presented from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The most common presenting complaints included: musculoskeletal conditions (59%) and heat related illnesses (19%). There was no correlation between attendance numbers and PPR and the heat index and PPR.

Conclusion

Musculoskeletal conditions and heat-related illnesses were the most common presenting complaints at the Singapore Grand Prix from 2009-2012. The lack of correlation between heat index and PPR is a new finding compared with prior studies. This could be due to the minimal heat variation that occurred during the night event. Further study is required to refine models that can be used in specialized events.

HoWH, KoenigKL, QuekLS. Formula One Night Race in Singapore: A 4-Year Analysis of a Planned Mass Gathering. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2014;29(5):1-5.

Keywords

Emergency Medical Servicesmass-gathering medicinemotor sportspresentation ratetransport rate
Type
Original Research
Information
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine , Volume 29 , Issue 5 , October 2014 , pp. 489 - 493
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2014 

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