Physician Integration into Mass Gathering Medical Care the United States Air Show

Introduction: Limited information exists concerning physician staffing at mass gathering events. Methods: A retrospective review of the preparation, planning and provision of medical care for the United States Air Show was performed. Patient encounters from the air show for the years 1981–1991 also were evaluated. Results: The frequency rate of overall encounters was 8.45 patients/10,000 spectators and hospital transport rate was 0.6/10,000 spectators. The majority of complaints were related to heat or minor injuries. During this period, emergency physicians played a vital role in both medical planning and on-site staffing. Emergency medicine residents also participated. A small patient population received direct benefit from on-site physician intervention. Conclusion: The on-site emergency physician is of benefit in event preplanning and reducing the burden on the EMS system during mass gathering events.