title: Diagnosis according to time of arrival at "The Great New York State Fair".
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the diagnoses of patients presenting to a medical facility within a mass-gathering public event, "The Great New York State Fair" (NYSF) based on chief complaints, diagnoses, and time of arrival. The goal of the study was to assess the need for increased staffing, services, or supplies during certain times of day for an event that gathers approximately 1 million patrons over a 12-day span. Patrons occupy the grounds between the hours of 10 am and 11 pm, while workers and staff are on the grounds around the clock.
  
  
  METHODS
  Triage data gathered by trained medical students was collected from all of the patients seen during the 2009 NYSF from 12 am to 11:59 pm. Triage information was categorized based on the nature of complaint, physician impression, and time of arrival to assess for trends in the distribution of common chief complaints and diagnoses at a mass-gathering medical care facility.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The early hours of the NYSF were occupied mostly with treatment of minor first aid complaints, while later hours were occupied more commonly by orthopedic complaints. Insect stings were the most frequent complaint throughout the day.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Daytime and evening hours at the fair have a significant number of orthopedic diagnoses and may benefit from specific staff and equipment sufficient to handle these complaints. Stings and minor first aid injuries are also significant and may benefit from adequate stocking of the infirmary for such events. Major medical complaints, including cardiac and neurological complaints, did occur but were a minor part of the total patient population.
authors.affiliation: Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York USA.
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nacca
authors.affiliation: Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York USA.
authors.forename: Jay
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.affiliation: Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York USA.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Grant
mesh_terms: D000846:Anniversaries and Special Events; D003441:Crowding; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D005392:First Aid; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009518:New York; D014218:Triage; D000078329:Workforce