[First aid at medical congresses]

The sixth International Congress of Pharmacology in Helsinki, July 1975, was held on a campus area 5 km from the nearest hospital. The congress was attended by 2 600 active participants and one thousand social members, traveling from 54 countries. The equipment at the Congress first aid station allowed for all kinds of emergency treatments, ranging from the care of minor complaints to cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A mobile intensive care unit was kept outside the station throughout the day and was also available at the major social events in the evening. The great majority of the symptoms necessitating a visit to the station were minor complaints. Most participants received their medication direct from the first aid station, the most common drugs being mild analgesics, anticholinergics and antibiotics. According to our experience, at a congress with 3 500 participants it is sufficient to have one physician present at the first aid station, or at least on call, and one to three additional first aid assistants. In general, it is of utmost importance to make adequate plans for the provision of medical as well as dental care at large congresses.