Differences in medical care usage between two mass-gathering sporting events

Event planning for mass gatherings involves the utilization of methods that prospectively can predict medical resource use. However, there is growing recognition that historical data for a specific event can help to accurately forecast medical requirements. This study was designed to investigate the differences in medical usage rates between two popular mass-gathering sports events in the UK: rugby matches and horse races.

A retrospective study of all attendee consultations with the on-site medical teams at the Leicester Tigers Rugby Football Club and the Leicester Racecourse from September 2008 through August 2009 was undertaken. Patient demographics, medical usage rates, level of care, as well as professional input and the effects of alcohol use were recorded.

Medical usage rates were higher at the Leicester Racecourse (P < .01), although the demographics of the patients were similar and included 24% children and 16% staff. There was no difference in level of care required between the two venues with the majority of cases being minor, although a higher proportion of casualties at the Leicester Tigers event were seen by a health care professional compared with the Leicester Racecourse (P < .001). Alcohol was a contributing factor in only 5% of consultations.

These two major sporting venues had similar attendance requirements for medical treatment that are comparable to other mass-gathering sports events. High levels of staff and pediatric presentations may have an impact on human resource planning for events on a larger scale, and the separation of treatment areas may help to minimize the number of unnecessary or opportunistic reviews by the on-site health care professionals.