Mobile computed tomography at the Munich Oktoberfest : From idea to implementation.

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Radiology
• Public Health

Background:

• The Munich Oktoberfest, a massive folk festival, experiences a significant surge in medical emergencies due to risky visitor behaviors.
• Prehospital and clinical emergency services are strained, requiring additional resources and on-site patient treatment.
• Lack of on-site radiological assessment for head/facial trauma historically led to numerous hospital admissions for evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and impact of deploying a mobile computed tomography (CT) scanner at the Munich Oktoberfest.
• To reduce unnecessary hospital transports for patients with suspected head, facial, or cervical spine trauma.
• To enhance the efficiency and stability of emergency medical services during a high-demand event.

Main Methods:

• A mobile CT scanner was deployed on-site at the Munich Oktoberfest in 2022.
• Diagnostic imaging focused on face, cranium, and cervical spine injuries, utilizing the Canadian CT Head Rule and NEXUS criteria.
• New clinical concepts and procedures were developed for seamless integration into the festival's medical service structure.

Main Results:

• The mobile CT scanner was effectively integrated into preclinical processes without direct hospital connection.
• On-site CT diagnostics significantly reduced the need for hospital transportation.
• This led to a decrease in emergency medical service provision and stabilized clinical emergency medicine during the event.

Conclusions:

• Establishing mobile CT scanners at high-demand events is feasible and offers substantial relief to emergency medical systems.
• The primary goals of stabilizing prehospital/clinical emergency structures and improving on-site detection of critical patients were met.
• Successful integration into the overall process flow is crucial for optimizing the use of mobile diagnostic units.