Last update:
14-Sep-2016

With the massive gathering of people at large-scale sporting events the possibility of mass fatality incidents (MFIs) is increased. This is a literature review of the main factors affecting the security of such events and their consequences. The review covered incidents in which the number of victims was up to 2,711 and of the injured up to 57,000. The greatest recorded tragedies took place at football matches (78.4%), with Grand Prix car races in second place. The main cause of the tragic outcome for victims was uncontrolled movement of spectators towards closed entrances/exits. The most frequent causes of death in such incidents were multiple injuries and asphyxia. In conclusion, the mass gathering of people at large-scale sporting events carries inherent dangers. Special emphasis is therefore placed on the planning of risk management and the establishment of emergency management protocols. Despite the safety and security measures which are taken, there is always the possibility of unpredictable untoward events. In the future, one of the most dangerous risk factors to be considered is terrorism. The main purpose of the emergency medical services at such events is to save as many lives as possible, using triage and concerted initial care of the injured patients.

Key words: Disasters, Mass fatality incidents (MFIs), Sporting events, Tragedies.Apnea of prematurity, Caffeine, Cognitive functions.