UNDERSTANDING CROWD DYNAMICS AND PSYCHOLOGY FOR BETTER EMERGENCY RESPONSE
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Authors
Bartram, Steven L.
Subjects
crowd dynamics
crowd psychology
crowd modeling
crowd psychology
crowd modeling
Advisors
Morag, Nadav
Dahl, Erik J.
Date of Issue
2023-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Large events around the world—including sporting matches, music festivals, religious events, and other outdoor gatherings—continue to result in crowd crush injuries and deaths. Examined closely, crowd crush incidents tend to have the same causal factors that could have been addressed and avoided. When they are not prevented, the cases are often not recognized as a crowd crush, so an effective response is delayed. In crowd crush fatalities, compressive asphyxia is the most common cause of death. The treatment of patients depends on the timely response of emergency medical services to resuscitate patients. Through case studies of the 1989 Hillsborough soccer match, the 2021 Astroworld music festival, and the 2022 Itaewon, South Korea, crowd crush, this thesis reveals deficiencies in responding to these tragedies. Event organizers and first responders share responsibility in handling these events and must coordinate their efforts to prevent injuries caused by dynamic crowds. This thesis recommends that fire departments participate directly in the planning process and management of the event as one of the primary stakeholders. Furthermore, training in crowd dynamics and safety should be a part of the first responder's knowledge base and education.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (CHDS)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
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Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.
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This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.