G. De Cet1, P. Muneretto2, C. Vianello3
The management of safety at live concerts is a complex and multifaceted challenge, involving a careful balance between crowd control, emergency preparedness, and the protection of both performers and attendees. While concert organizers primarily focus on providing an enjoyable experience for their audience, they must also anticipate and plan for unforeseen events, including medical emergencies. This paper seeks to analyze a real-life case study of a health emergency that occurred during a concert in Italy, highlighting the lessons learned and the crucial role such incidents play in shaping future safety protocols.
In such settings, emergencies—whether medical, fire rescue, or security-related—require immediate and effective response strategies. Medical emergencies, such as a person experiencing sudden illness during a performance, pose particular challenges. In these cases, timely intervention, clear communication, and coordination among medical teams, event staff, and security are paramount to ensuring the well-being of the individual involved, as well as preventing panic and maintaining overall safety.
By analyzing this specific case, this study will examine the effectiveness of the responses from the event organizers, medical teams, and security personnel, identifying both strengths and areas for improvement (through continuous vision via video surveillance system).
While theoretical safety protocols and guidelines are commonly established in the event management industry, it is often only through the practical application of these procedures that gaps in preparation and execution become apparent. This case study underscores the need for continuous evaluation and adaptation of safety strategies, emphasizing the significance of conducting post-event reviews to assess what went well, what could be improved, and how such lessons can inform future planning.
Furthermore, this paper explores how a proactive approach to emergency preparedness—through detailed planning, regular training, and clear communication—can help mitigate the risks associated with live events. Lessons drawn from this specific emergency highlight the importance of a well-structured emergency response plan that includes not only medical protocols but also crowd management strategies, staff roles, and effective communication channels.
By examining the lessons learned from this health crisis during a concert, this paper contributes to the broader conversation on safety in live events. It argues that the analysis of real-life emergencies provides invaluable insights that cannot be gleaned solely from theoretical studies or simulations. The experience of managing an actual emergency offers a unique opportunity to refine procedures, enhance staff training, and ultimately improve safety measures for future events. As live entertainment continues to attract large crowds and complex logistics, the ability to effectively handle emergencies will remain a cornerstone of successful concert management.
In conclusion, this case study serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live events and the importance of being prepared for any eventuality. The lessons learned from this health emergency provide crucial insights into how concert organizers can improve their emergency preparedness and response strategies, ultimately ensuring the safety and well-being of attendees in future events.
Keywords: Lessons learned, Safety, Risk.