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Medical Incidents at Public Events
From June 1998 Lost & Found Newsletter
Search and rescue has long recognized that public events are different from wilderness searches, and present different challenges to scene safety, communication and teamwork. We have begun using a system for handling medical incidents at public events includes which includes several of the usual SAR positions, and adds an additional role — the on-scene Incident Coordinator. This system spreads the workload, relieves EMTs of having to do everything, promotes safety and reduces confusion on the air. It is outlined below.
| Note: On routine medical incidents, the person who starts assessment and treatment is now encouraged to carry it through to the end. This promotes patient confidence, continuity of care, and hands-on training. EMT's are the final authorities, of course, and can always step in if they see the need. They are, however, encouraged to take a supervisory, consulting role for less serious incidents. |
Most medical incidents, especially at the Fair, start when CP receives a call over the radio. The order of events below assumes that's the case, although the system works well in other scenarios with little or no change.
RADIO OPERATOR: Confirms the information and advises SAR teams.
- Acknowledges the call.
- Clarifies the location if possible.
- Gives the incident and location to the team in CP.
- Broadcasts the incident and location to SAR personnel in the field."Attention SAR teams. We have a report of an ill male at the Beer Tree."
- Stands by for requests from the team (better location, medics, etc).
FIRST PERSON TO ARRIVE: Clarifies the location and gives a quick size-up.
- Begins assessment and treatment.
- Calls CP with: (1) Good, clear location, and (2) What he/she sees (conscious teenage male, etc.)
- Begins to assess and treat within scope of practice.
- Tells the EMT what she/he saw, heard and did.
EMT: Focuses on the patient. If everyone's doing their job, EMT's normally don't use the radio, do crowd control, etc.
- On arrival, checks scene safety. Dons gloves.
- Gets an update from the SAR or Fair people there already.
- Takes over patient care, delegating and directing team members as needed.
- On less serious incidents, is encouraged to supervise while others perform hands-on care.
- Asks the IC to arrange for transport, medics, etc., if necessary.
INCIDENT COORDINATOR: The first person on scene, if not caring for the patient, or else an experienced SAR member. Coordinates the team, minds the big picture, and thinks ahead.
- Calls CP, gives a scene size-up. Updates CP every few minutes.
- Oversees scene safety. (Is everyone wearing gloves?)
- Ensures that someone carries out EMT's requests.
- Handles radio traffic. (One person per incident, please)
- Plans ahead (medic unit access, second incident, etc.)
- Calls CP if patient caregiver asks for medics, wheelchair, etc.
- Advises CP when the incident is over.
TEAM MEMBERS: Provide manpower and assistance.
- Put on gloves before treating or assessing patient.
- Hold the patient's head, take vitals, etc., as requested.
- Do crowd control, interview witnesses, etc., if needed.
- Take notes on vital signs, etc. as appropriate.
FIRST AID/COMMAND POST: Follows progress & contacts other agencies.
- Confirms the patient's location, condition, etc.
- Notes the periodic updates from the IC.
- Radios fair security if needed.
- If asked, phones for a medic unit. Gives the patient's location and condition.
- Calls field team if second incident develops..
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