Emergency Medical Services Preparedness and Risk Mitigation in Mass Gathering Health Security Contexts- An Updated Review for Healthcare Security
Abstract
Background: Mass gathering events pose complex health security challenges due to high population density, diverse risk exposures, and the potential to overwhelm local emergency medical services (EMS).
Aim: This review aims to examine contemporary strategies for emergency medical services preparedness and risk mitigation in mass gathering health security contexts.
Methods: A narrative review approach was employed, synthesizing international guidance, EMS operational frameworks, and evidence derived from prior mass gathering events, with emphasis on preparedness, staffing, resource allocation, and incident command integration.
Results: Findings indicate that effective mass gathering healthcare depends on comprehensive risk assessment, multidisciplinary planning, scalable medical staffing, environmental risk mitigation, and robust communication systems. Onsite medical care, physician oversight, and structured use of the Incident Command System substantially reduce unnecessary hospital transports and preserve community healthcare capacity.
Conclusion: Proactive, systemsbased medical planning enhances patient safety, EMS efficiency, and overall community resilience during mass gathering events.
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2025 Wejdan Nasser Saad Aldawsari, IBRAHIM OBAID ALDAWSARI, Yasmiyan Fahad Alhazmi, Maryam Fahad Alhazmi, NAIF OMAR ALMUTAIR, Khalid Thamer Alruqi, Nasser Draan Hassan Al Harbi, ABDULRAHMAN RUMAYH ALSHAMMARI, ALJAMEELI ALI ABDULLAH, AHAD NASER ALOTAIBI, DUAA FAHD MOHAMMAD ALSAEDI
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