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Medical Planning for Mass Gatherings: A Retrospective Review of the San Antonio Papal Mass

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2012

David A. Hnatow  and
Donald J. Gordon
David A. Hnatow*
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, Lackland AFB, Texas 78236
Donald J. Gordon
Affiliation:
EMS Medical Director of San Antonio and Bexar County, Program Director, Emergency Medical Technology, Assistant Professor, School of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
*
Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center/SGHMAE, Lackland AFB, TX 78236-5300
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Abstract

There are limited data available and no recognized standards or guidelines for providing emergency medical care at large public event The organizational planning of emergency medical care for the 1987 San Antonio Papal Mass was reviewed. Medical care was provided using a multi-tiered system. The San Antonio EMS system played a leading role in the design, administration, and implementation of this medical care.

An analysis of the types and frequencies of emergency medical problems encountered by health care providers is detailed. The total attendance was approximately 100,000, 1.5% (1553) required medical attention, and 241 were evaluated on-site by physicians. The majority of medical problems encountered were managed by non-physician, health care providers.

Severe environmental conditions with a heat index exceeding 102°F were responsible for 174 cases (72%) of heat-related illness. A total of 55 patients required transport to local emergency department. There were no cardiopulmonary arrests, major injuries, or deaths.

Type
Administrator
Information
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine , Volume 6 , Issue 4 , December 1991 , pp. 443 - 450
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 1991

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