Medical support during the European Union Summit in Gothenburg, Sweden, June 2001.
BACKGROUND
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.


CONCLUSIONS
The PPR for the EU Summit was 2.7, which is in the same range as previously reported from other mass-gatherings.
Johnsson
Kristina M C
KM
Centre for Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. Kristina.m.johnsson@astrazeneca.com
Ortenwall
Per A
PA
Kivi
Anne-Lii H
AL
Hedelin
Annika H E
AH
D003226:Congresses as Topic; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005062:European Union; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D013548:Sweden; D014754:Violence