Longitudinal description and evaluation of an emergency department avoidance strategy for a youth mass gathering (Schoolies) in Australia.
Emergency medicine Australasia · 2020-09-15 · Observational study
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: ED avoidance strategies including In-Event Health Service (IEHS) processes during mass gathering events (MGEs), such as 'Schoolies week', may be important for EDs, ambulance services, the local population, and attendees. The aim of the present study was to provide a longitudinal description of emergency care requirements for young adults (16-18 years old); focussing on the impact of the Schoolies MGEs. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included youth (16-18 years) presentations made (i) to local public EDs during Schoolies week in 2008-2014 and (ii) to local EDs over a 3-week period (pre, during, post-Schoolies week) and the IEHS in 2015 and 2016. Descriptive and inferential statistics were undertaken. RESULTS: Youth presentations (n = 4256) were included. Presentation rates/1000 fluctuated over time (range 6.2-21.2). The IEHS provided care for 167 and 288 youth during 2015 and 2016 Schoolies week, respectively. Demographic factors (gender, age, region domiciled) and episode of care factors (time of presentation, mode of arrival, urgency, time to triage, time to be seen by a clinician and length of stay) between 2008 and 2016 varied by year. Toxicology (alcohol and other drugs), trauma, and mental health concerns were the most common diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: The IEHS, operational during Schoolies, appeared to reduce pressures on local EDs by offering rapid, targeted care for potentially vulnerable youth; decrease requirements for hospital transport and minimise impacts on care provision for the local community. Given increases in ED crowding and pressures on ambulance services, such care models may be worth considering for other types of MGEs and in other locations.
Abstract © the authors or publisher, via PubMed. Reuse and removal
Tags
Alcohol · Children · Mass gatherings & events · Poisoning & substance use
Related articles
- Emergency Department Presentations During Southwest Leavers Week 2022: A Retrospective Observational Study. (Emerg Med Australas, 2026)
- Impact of a Mass Gathering Alcohol Sobering Facility on Emergency Resources. (Prehosp Emerg Care, 2018)
- Psychosocial Influences on Patient Presentations: Considerations for Research and Evaluation at Mass-Gathering Events. (Prehosp Disaster Med, 2020)
- Evaluation of trauma cases in different types of mass gathering events. (Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg, 2022)
- Drug and Alcohol Related Patient Presentations to Emergency Departments during Sporting Mass-Gathering Events: An Integrative Review. (Prehosp Disaster Med, 2020)
- Piloting a mass gathering conceptual framework at an Adelaide schoolies festival. (Collegian, 2010)