Emergency medical services in mass gatherings: the experience of the Formula 1 Grand Prix 'San Marino' in Imola.

Mass gatherings are special situations for which mass medical care must be preplanned. Acute emergencies occur at public gatherings and medical coverage on site has proven benefit. Responsibility of general plan, management of specific problems, transport planning, communications system, guidelines and protocols, special situations management, ancillary supports, sources of extra help for unforeseen needs are the most important items to consider. In mass gatherings the whole emergency medical service (EMS) planning and management has to depend on the emergency department direction, with its authority on all aspects of patient care in the EMS system. This report concerns the planning of EMS and of medical care in a situation at risk for mass casualties at the Formula I Grand Prix-Championship Racing 'San Marino' of Imola.