Changing landscape for those experiencing medical emergencies during Oktoberfest, affecting both victims and their loved ones
Oktoberfest Medical Services Prepared for Another Year
The Oktoberfest, one of the world's largest Volksfests, is gearing up for another exciting edition, and with it comes the assurance of top-notch medical services.
Michel Belcijan, the Operations Manager, has confirmed that the proven CT scanner will be in operation during this year's Oktoberfest. This equipment, which has proven successful in previous years, will be instrumental in providing quick diagnoses after falls or head injuries, thus alleviating the burden on Munich clinics.
A significant change this year is the introduction of larger medical containers, equipped with new ECG devices and defibrillators. These containers will be stationed at the Bavaria, Esperantoplatz, and the Oidn Wiesn, providing direct treatment for patients at three external stations of the medical station.
The recruitment drive for the medical service has been extensive, with approximately 550 staff members having been recruited and trained for the event. Among them are 100 doctors who have applied for roles at the Oktoberfest medical station, with 55 of them now on duty.
In terms of patient numbers, the last year saw a decrease, with 2891 patients having to be treated medically. Chief physician Kampmann attributes this decrease to a combination of factors, including weather conditions and a decrease in violence-related injuries. However, the number of patients treated for foot injuries due to sandals is not mentioned, but it is implied that paramedics have to treat many such injuries year after year.
To manage patient location effectively, the app 'what3words' is being used in the deployment management system. Additionally, the 'Safe-Now-App' has been expanded to allow help to be called in even more beer tents at the push of a button.
For the convenience of visitors, the website findmybuddy.com has been used to help visitors query the status of their relatives at the Oktoberfest and has been further expanded for this year.
To prevent foot injuries, Kampmann advises wearing good shoes. Furthermore, he suggests a solid foundation and avoiding drinking the first Oktoberfest beer on an empty stomach to prevent patient numbers from increasing.
In a notable development for the future, the medical service provider assigned for Oktoberfest in 2026 will be the Aicher Ambulance Union, responsible for ensuring medical care at the event, including operating a mobile CT scanner to provide immediate diagnosis and reduce hospital transports.
With these measures in place, the medical services at the Oktoberfest are ready to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
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