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.