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Medical Support during the European Union Summit in Gothenburg, Sweden, June 2001

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2012

Kristina M.C. Johnsson ,
Per A. Örtenwall ,
Anne-Lii H. Kivi  and
Annika H.E. Hedelin
Kristina M.C. Johnsson*
Affiliation:
Centre for Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
Per A. Örtenwall
Affiliation:
Centre for Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
Anne-Lii H. Kivi
Affiliation:
Centre for Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
Annika H.E. Hedelin
Affiliation:
Centre for Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
*
Dr. Kristina Johnsson Centre for Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, PKMC University of Gothenburg Regionens Hus, 405 44 Gothenburg, Sweden E-mail: Kristina.m.johnsson@astrazeneca.com
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Abstract

Introduction:

Several factors are important for the number and severity of medical emergencies during mass-gatherings. The risk of violence, the size and mobility of the crowd, the type of event, weather, and duration of the event all influence the outcome. During the European Union (EU) Summit, from 15–16 June 2001 in Gothenburg, Sweden, approximately 50,000 people participated in 43 protest marches, some which included 15,000 participants. Clashes between police and the protesters occurred.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to analyze the amount and character of injuries as well as the medical complaints in relation to the EU Summit. In addition, the aim of this study was to describe the organization and function of the healthcare services provided during the meeting.

Methods:

This study is based on the medical records of patients presenting with injuries and other types of medical emergencies at the healthcare stations during the Summit.

Results:

In total, 143 patients sought medical care. Fifty-three (37.1%) were police officers. Most patients had minor complaints, but a few were seriously injured.The Patient Presentation Rate (PPR) was 2.7. Nine victims were hospitalized as high priority.

Conclusion:

The PPR for the EU Summit was 2.7, which is in the same range as previously reported from other mass-gatherings.

Keywords

command centercrowddemonstrationsfirst aidinjuriesmedical emergencymass-gatheringplanpoliceriotweather
Type
Brief Report
Information
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine , Volume 21 , Issue 4 , August 2006 , pp. 282 - 285
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2006

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