CULTURAL EVENT INFORMED

A Cultural Event Informed By The Context Of The Olympic Games 2012

Abstract

The 2012 Olympic Games will provide an exciting challenge for public health providers and systems. Preparation requires early detailed planning of policies, procedures and on-site health promotion events, in addition to helping to set up the surveillance and monitoring systems that will capture public health activity alongside medical activity. Learning from the literature review will support the identification of critical success factors and help to formulate recommendations that will allow optimal utilization of public health initiatives. All plans require full costings in advance which are supported by internal and external health-related agencies, voluntary organizations and sponsors. A risk assessment should be undertaken as part of the planning process leading to risk management plans for mitigating identified potential risks. All surveillance and monitoring systems, communication, policies and procedures will require full testing prior to commencement of the Games.

A Cultural Event Informed By The Context Of The Olympic Games 2012

Introduction

The London 2012 Games will be held between 27 July and 12 August ( Olympic Games) and 29 August and 9 September (Paralympic Games) 2012. Although the majority of events will be held in London, some events will take place in various stadia across the UK. All events of this size require the provision of temporary medical and public health services in places that are different from usual, serving populations significantly larger than that of the local population.

All mass gatherings vary in their complexity and pose unique challenges for maintaining the public's health, as well as providing medical and personal safety needs for the competitors, officials and spectators to the Games and related entertainments, as well as the indigenous population surrounding the venue sites. The duration, size and locations of the gatherings, the possibility of terrorism, and the effects of hot or cold weather need to be taken into account when planning and running the Games.

Thousands of mass gathering events are held each year, at national, regional and local levels. Spectator sports, ceremonies, rallies and fairs are just some of the events held across the UK. The definition of a 'mass gathering' in published literature has been accepted as over 1000 people1; however, most of the published literature reflects much larger events, generally >25,000 spectators.

Aims & objectives of the paper

The aim of this paper is to covers the public health planning identified in previous temporary events focusing on generic surveillance issues, prevention and health service quality. It does not cover surveillance monitoring systems, data collected and collection points, health protection from terrorism, mass casualty care, physical layout of venues with regard to emergency access to stadia etc. as these will be dealt with by other stakeholders, nor does it cover the logistical provision of emergency medical services, as these are outlined elsewhere.

Search Strategy and Overview

A literature search was carried out using Medline from 1959, Cinhal, Cochrane, Bandolier and King's Fund, and reports from the Sydney Olympics and International Olympic Committee ...