Medical Oversight at Major Events in Queensland

With an anticipated crowd of 25,000 people descending upon a regional town with a population of 23,000 for a major music event, the local government has approved the event with only 2 first aiders on site during the day & jurisdictional ambulance service coverage at night. This glaring inadequacy raises serious questions about public safety, particularly given that many attendees may be older adults with pre-existing medical conditions.

In stark contrast, a recent soccer event in Adelaide featured a comprehensive medical team that included 1 doctor, 4 paramedics & 3 nurses for a similar sized crowd. Such robust coverage is crucial for mitigating health risks at large gatherings. Under-staffed medical provisions at major events could lead to dire consequences, overwhelming local healthcare services & jeopardising the safety of attendees.

Currently, Queensland lacks any comprehensive regulations governing medical support at public events. This absence of oversight allows any entity to operate as a medical service provider, often without the necessary training, credentials & equipment.

The implications of inadequate medical coverage cannot be overstated. In scenarios where medical emergencies arise, the limited first aid presence may fall drastically short. This could result in serious health outcomes, including increased mortality or morbidity rates. The local hospital, already under pressure from high demand, may find itself unable to cope with an influx of patients requiring urgent care from an event that should have been better prepared.

The Need for Regulatory Reform

The situation in Queensland starkly contrasts with that in states like Victoria, where stringent regulations are in place. In Victoria, event organisers are required to adhere to specific guidelines, that dictate both the number & qualifications of medical staff needed, based on expected attendance & risk of the event. These measures ensure a baseline of competency and professionalism that is currently lacking in Queensland.

The Laura Rodeo inquest previously highlighted the urgent need for better regulation of event medical coverage in Queensland, however, there has been little to no meaningful action from the state government or local councils to enforce the recommendations. This lack of accountability raises serious concerns about the safety of attendees at major events and the preparedness of local health services.

As we approach the upcoming state elections, it is imperative for both the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and the Liberal National Party (LNP) to commit to reforming event medical oversight. Clear regulations mandating that only licensed medical service providers are allowed to operate at public events are needed. Such reforms would not only safeguard public health but also enhance the accountability of event organisers.

The safety of Queenslanders should never be compromised for the sake of entertainment.