Book A UK Crowd Doctor
Crowd Doctor UK
"Why do you need a Crowd Doctor??"
You may need a crowd doctor at a UK sporting event or mass gathering for spectator safety, especially at large crowds (>2,000 people) or when there's a higher risk of medical emergencies. They provide expert medical care for ill or injured spectators, manage life-threatening situations, and can act as a medical incident commander for major incidents, ensuring public safety alongside other medical teams and emergency services.
A crowd doctor in the UK
is a doctor working at a mass gathering, such as a sporting event or concert, who is dedicated to the medical care of ill and injured spectators or attendees. They are part of a medical team that includes paramedics, nurses, and first responders, and they work with the venue's Safety Officer to manage a wide range of medical issues, from minor ailments to life-threatening emergencies. Crowd doctors require specific training in immediate or pre-hospital care and must maintain their own indemnity.
It is not a blanket legal requirement
but the provision of a crowd doctor is mandatory under the Football Association's medical regulations for professional matches where crowds are expected to exceed a certain size, and recommended by bodies like the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) and UEFA for larger events. A crowd doctor is a qualified healthcare professional trained in immediate care and the management of mass casualties and is distinct from a team doctor, who treats players.
When a Crowd Doctor is Required
Football:
The FA's Medical Regulations state that a Home Club must provide a Crowd Doctor for every League Match.
UEFA:
UEFA regulations mandate the presence of a pitchside doctor, who is also a crowd doctor, for matches.
SGSA Guidance:
The Sports Ground Safety Authority recommends crowd doctor provision for events and provides guidance on crowd medical services.
Qualifications and Role
A crowd doctor must be a medically qualified and licensed doctor in the UK.
They are expected to be trained in immediate care, including pre-hospital emergency care and major
incident management.
Their role is to manage medical incidents within the crowd, separate from the team doctor who treats players.
Why it's Important
Player and spectator safety:
To ensure that any medical emergency in the crowd can be dealt with quickly and effectively.
Major incident preparedness:
The presence of qualified medical personnel helps in preparing for and managing mass casualty incidents.
Compliance:
Adhering to the regulations set by governing bodies like The FA and UEFA ensures that events meet safety standards.