Regulating Event Healthcare in Queensland: A Necessary Step to Protect Public Health and Our Overstretched Emergency System 

 

Queensland's healthcare system is under immense pressure. Ambulance ramping, overworked emergency departments and paramedics and stretched frontline resources have become all too common. While these systemic issues are widely recognised, one contributing factor often goes unaddressed: the lack of regulation in event healthcare. Across Queensland, events ranging from music festivals to sporting competitions draw thousands of people into confined spaces, often in high-risk environments. These gatherings inevitably generate healthcare needs — from dehydration and drug-related incidents to trauma and pre-existing medical emergencies. Yet, unlike other healthcare services, event medical providers in Queensland are not currently subject to a consistent, enforceable licensing regime. The Queensland Government offers only guidelines, however these are not enforcable and a standardised, regulated approach is lacking.This regulatory gap is leaving both event patrons and the broader health system vulnerable. 

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The Consequences of No Regulation

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Without mandated licensing, anyone can call themselves a medic and set up an “event medical” service — regardless of clinical governance, qualifications, experience or training standards. This lack of oversight can result in substandard care, delayed treatment, and poor decision-making at events. Too often, unqualified or poorly resourced providers are unable to manage on-site medical issues effectively. As a result, cases that could be treated at the event are escalated unnecessarily to the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) or nearby hospitals. This not only burdens emergency responders but removes resources from the general public, contributing to the broader strain on the system.In contrast, when properly equipped and clinically governed healthcare teams are present, many minor and moderate issues can be resolved on-site, reducing unnecessary hospital transports and preserving the capacity of the healthcare system. 

 

The Case for a Licensing Framework

 

Introducing a licensing system for event healthcare providers would ensure minimum standards across the board. This includes:Mandatory clinical governance under a registered medical professional. Minimum qualification standards for all onsite personnel based on thorough risk assessments.Defined equipment and medication lists appropriate for the event size and risk profile. Such regulation would not only improve patient safety but also integrate event medical care into Queensland’s broader health strategy. In doing so, it would reduce the downstream burden on public resources and improve outcomes for both event attendees and the general public.

 

Protecting Public Safety Starts with Accountability

 

This is not about creating red tape, it’s about ensuring accountability in a sector that deals directly with people’s lives. Licensing would allow Queensland Health and Queensland Ambulance Service to know who is operating in the space, under what standards and with what outcomes. It would also empower event organisers to make informed choices when selecting providers. As Queensland continues to host major events and grows its tourism and entertainment sectors, the need for safe, regulated, and integrated event healthcare will only become more critical. 

 

Conclusion

 

A licensing framework for event healthcare providers is not just a policy option, it’s a public health imperative. By acting now, we can relieve pressure on our emergency services, raise the standard of care at events and ultimately protect the wellbeing of Queenslanders across the board.