Mass gatherings like the Mahakumbh attract millions of devotees, making them one of the most challenging events in terms of crowd management and emergency response services. With a congregation of this scale, the risk of medical emergencies—ranging from dehydration and stampedes to cardiac arrests, and contagious and infectious disease outbreaks—is significantly heightened. To mitigate these risks, a robust emergency medical services (EMS) framework is crucial. However, achieving round-the-clock preparedness requires seamless collaboration between authorities and private EMS operators with the support of adequate funding, regulatory enforcement, and technology integration.
Collaboration between authorities and private EMS providers:
Government authorities and private EMS providers must work hand in hand to create a dynamic, well-equipped emergency response system. A comprehensive approach involves:
- Pre-event planning: Establishing dedicated medical zones, first-aid kiosks, and specialised pre-event training of doctors in ambulances and also paramedic with triage centres strategically positioned across the venue.
- Resource allocation: Deploying medical personnel, paramedics, and mobile health units to ensure widespread coverage.
- Training and coordination: Conducting large-scale mock drills, simulation exercises, and disaster preparedness programs involving EMS personnel, police, and event organisers.
- Command centres: Setting up real-time monitoring units where representatives from various agencies collaborate for swift decision-making and emergency response.
Cost of implementation and funding sources
Implementing a structured EMS system at events like MahaKumbh involves substantial costs, primarily in:
- Procuring advanced ambulances, mobile medical units, and medical supplies.
- Hiring and training medical professionals and support staff.
- Deploying communication and tracking technology.
- Setting up field hospitals and emergency response units.
The financial burden of these measures is shared among multiple stakeholders
- Government bodies: State and central authorities allocate funds from disaster management and public health budgets.
- Event organisers: Religious and cultural committees involved in organising the event should contribute towards EMS preparedness.
- Private healthcare and EMS providers: Partnering with government agencies to provide medical services in exchange for sponsorships and branding opportunities.
- CSR and philanthropic contributions: Large corporations and charitable organisations can fund medical infrastructure as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Regulatory measures for mandating medical infrastructure
To institutionalise structured medical infrastructure for high-footfall gatherings, regulatory bodies must introduce:
- Mandatory EMS plans: Event organisers should submit detailed emergency medical response plans before obtaining approvals.
- Defined medical personnel ratios: Regulations should specify the required number of medical professionals per 10,000 attendees.
- Pre-certified EMS providers: Only accredited EMS service providers should be allowed to operate at mass gatherings.
- Periodic audits and compliance checks: Authorities should conduct inspections to ensure adherence to safety norms and preparedness measures.
Leveraging technology for faster emergency response
The integration of cutting-edge technology can significantly enhance EMS efficiency at mass events. Some key innovations include:
- GPS-enabled ambulances: These help in dynamic ambulance dispatching based on real-time traffic and patient locations.
- Telemedicine and live video consultations: First responders can connect with specialists for immediate guidance on critical cases.
- NFC-enabled medical equipment – All equipment can be connected to a tab and to the central system at ERC to have a live transmission of the usage and consumption of medicines and medical equipment for refill and documentation.
- AI-powered coordination systems: Machine learning algorithms can predict potential medical crises by analysing crowd density, weather conditions, and previous incident data.
- Wearable health monitors: Distributed to elderly and high-risk attendees, these devices can alert paramedics in case of anomalies like irregular heart rates or dehydration levels.
Lessons from past incidents for a foolproof strategy
History has shown that lapses in EMS preparedness at mass gatherings can lead to tragic outcomes. Some key lessons include:
- The 1954 Kumbh Mela stampede: Inadequate crowd control led to a disastrous stampede, emphasising the need for efficient crowd flow management and emergency exits.
- 2013 Allahabad Kumbh Mela incident: Overcrowding at a railway station resulted in multiple casualties, highlighting the importance of coordination between transportation authorities and EMS providers.
- COVID-19 pandemic: The pandemic underscored the necessity for robust disease surveillance, isolation zones, and on-site testing capabilities at large gatherings.
Conclusion
The MahaKumbh and other large-scale religious or cultural gatherings present unique challenges that demand an unwavering commitment to emergency preparedness. A proactive and well-funded EMS strategy, supported by public-private partnerships, stringent regulatory frameworks, and state-of-the-art technology, is the key to safeguarding millions of lives. It is imperative that stakeholders act now to institutionalise these measures, ensuring that faith, devotion, and celebration are never overshadowed by preventable medical tragedies.