Abstract / Summary
Abstract Background Mass gatherings such as the Munich Oktoberfest increase demand on Emergency Medical Services (EMS), particularly for trauma patients requiring imaging. Suspected mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) often necessitates hospital referral and diagnostic imaging, placing strain on prehospital and hospital resources. Methods This retrospective observational before–after study evaluated the impact of an on-site mobile computed tomography (CT) scanner deployed during the Oktoberfest in 2022 and 2023. Patients with suspected head, facial, or cervical spine trauma requiring CT imaging were included. EMS hospital transport data during these events (with mobile CT) were compared with a historical reference period from 2015 to 2019 (without mobile CT) and with matched pre- and post-event periods. Standardized prehospital protocols guided patient assessment and imaging decisions. Results A total of 498 patients underwent on-site CT imaging. Of these, 429 (86%) were treated on-site and discharged after imaging and clinical evaluation, while 52 (10%) required hospital transport based on CT findings. Additional transports occurred for unrelated medical issues. On-site CT availability prevented 429 EMS transports, corresponding to an estimated 22,737 min of EMS deployment time. Trauma-related hospital admissions during Oktoberfest were lower in 2022–2023 than in 2015–2019, and the relative increase in admissions during the event was reduced. Conclusion This retrospective analysis of the use of a mobile CT scanner in a prehospital setting during a mass gathering found that its implementation was associated with improved patient triage, fewer hospital transports, and more efficient EMS resource utilization. While the retrospective before–after study design does not permit direct causal inference, on-site imaging may have contributed to more targeted patient management and reduced demand on hospital resources. These findings suggest that mobile CT could represent a useful model for supporting medical services at large-scale public events and warrant further prospective evaluation.