Emergency preparedness for mass gatherings: ULSS 8 Berica’s strategy at the 2024 Alpini Gathering

Abstract Issue Mass gatherings challenge healthcare systems, requiring structured preparedness to prevent hospital congestion. The 2024 Alpini National Gathering, held in Vicenza, Italy (May 10-12, 2024), drew 400,000 attendees, tripling the city's population. Without a coordinated strategy, emergency services could have been overwhelmed. ULSS 8 Berica, the local health authority, implemented a healthcare plan, ensuring seamless coordination between pre-hospital and hospital services, with San Bortolo Hospital as the main referral center. Description A structured healthcare strategy was activated to optimize patient management and hospital resources. Key components: 1. Four Advanced Medical Posts (PMA) to treat minor cases on-site, reducing ED visits; 2. A Temporary Field Hospital to stabilize moderate cases and limit hospital transfers; 3. Hospital capacity optimization, reinforcing staff and triage protocols; 4. Real-time coordination with SUEM 118 for efficient ambulance dispatch and referrals. Results - San Bortolo Hospital recorded 714 ED visits, a 7-11% decrease from the previous week. 94 hospitalizations remained stable despite the population surge. - The Field Hospital treated 106 patients, with only 7 requiring hospitalization, reducing hospital burden. Four PMAs handled 52 minor cases, filtering non-critical patients from the ED. - SUEM 118 handled 3074 emergency calls, 787 event-related, with 226 SAP on-site interventions, optimizing resources. - The triage system led to a 20% reduction in hospital admissions, based on pre-event trends, demonstrating the effectiveness of decentralized care. Lessons - Pre-hospital triage reduced hospital congestion while maintaining care quality. - Shuttle services and designated routes ensured timely workforce deployment. - This scalable model strengthens public health preparedness for future mass gatherings. Key messages • A coordinated mass gathering healthcare strategy prevented hospital overload and optimized emergency response. • Integrating pre-hospital and hospital services enhanced system resilience and ensured continuity of care during large-scale events.