Health and Medical Preparedness and Response to the 2024 Republican National Convention

Every four years, the Republican National Convention (RNC) is hosted, selecting the party's nominee for president. In 2024, this event brought 50,000 people to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This required significant preparation and planning between local, state and federal leaders to ensure the safety of the attendees while minimizing impact on health care delivery to the community. The planning and outcomes of this National Security Special Event are described.

We used an observational study design of EMS patient care records documented by Milwaukee County EMS agency from July 15^th, 2024 to July 18^th, 2024. Descriptive analysis was performed based on event leadership recollection, correspondence and meeting notes in preparation for and during the event. Preparedness plans, staffing documents, prehospital treatment guidelines and patient care data from the event were gathered and utilized to describe event operations with attention to successes and areas for improvement.

Substantial collaboration and preparation led to a safe and successful event. Local and regional health resources provided emergency medical services, medical aid stations, and other health related planning and implementation. There were no mass casualty incidents, mass arrests, public health emergencies, or staffing crises. The event served as an opportunity to review and exercise local disaster preparedness plans. A combination of low patient presentation rates and advanced prehospital care on scene at the event minimized the impact on local health systems.

Multi-disciplinary collaboration was essential for this event, which required substantial financial, operational and personnel resources. As experts in their communities, local health care leaders must work collaboratively with federal assets in the planning and event implementation. A lack of funding for health care resources meant in kind contributions were required, with many individuals volunteering their time. In the future, dedicated funding for health and medical preparedness may strengthen a community's response to such a large event.