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

• 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.

Nyckelord

*Congresses

Emergency Medical Services/organization & administration/*utilization

European Union

Humans

Medical Audit

Sweden

Violence

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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