GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced new guidelines aimed at minimizing heat-related health issues during mass gatherings globally. These recommendations target major sporting, religious, and cultural occasions. They focus on risks faced by spectators, attendees, volunteers, and staff who are exposed to extended periods of high temperatures. An updated review of evidence revealed nearly 500,000 medical interactions at mass events documented in studies from 1980 through 2025, with over 22,000 involving heat-related conditions.
The review indicates that well-organized on-site medical services at event locations can manage most cases without requiring hospital transfers. When organizers establish comprehensive medical facilities on-site, more than 90% of patients receive treatment directly at the venue. This strategy helps alleviate the burden on local hospitals and ambulance systems. These insights are part of an extensive toolkit provided to governments, event organizers, and health authorities, combining research findings with practical methods for evaluating and mitigating heat risks before and during large-scale events.
According to the guidance, heat-related fatalities have risen by approximately 63% since the 1990s. From 2012 to 2021, the average annual number of heat-related deaths was 546,000. Crowds in densely packed outdoor settings can intensify exposure to high temperatures over prolonged periods. Additional risks are posed by limited access to water, constrained movement, and the stress associated with travel. The increased demand on health services during such events can also impede effective medical response efforts.
Heat mitigation integrated into event management
The new guidance emphasizes the importance of providing accessible drinking water, sufficient sanitation facilities, and cooling infrastructure at venues. It also advocates for adjustments to event schedules, improved crowd flow control, and protective measures for workers. Event organizers are encouraged to employ public messaging, real-time health monitoring, and ready medical services as integral parts of their planning process. WHO stresses that heat safety should be a comprehensive aspect of the entire event operation, rather than relying solely on individual actions. Aspects such as venue layout, transportation, security, and sanitation influence access to cooling and emergency medical care.
The package of resources includes systematic review methods, an implementation guide, and a dedicated tool for assessing heat-related risks. It also offers materials to craft evidence-based public health messages during periods of extreme heat. This assessment instrument allows for structured and repeatable evaluations both prior to and during events. The overall framework encompasses preparation, impact reduction, and recovery strategies. Organizers can align these measures with existing emergency response protocols, occupational safety standards, and national heat-health action plans.
Support for proactive heat safety measures
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has reported that the occurrence of extreme heat events has become more frequent and severe across most land areas since the 1950s. Elevated temperatures pose additional health threats when large groups gather outdoors or in crowded environments. Vulnerable populations, including older adults and individuals with chronic conditions, as well as those engaged in physical activities, are at greater risk. Workers and volunteers, often outside for extended periods while providing security, transportation, or medical support, are also particularly susceptible.
Heat management is integrated into broader public health and emergency preparedness frameworks for mass gatherings, according to the guidance. It encourages authorities and organizers to continuously assess environmental conditions throughout the event lifecycle and to coordinate health protection measures with operational planning. The recommendations are applicable to various types and sizes of gatherings, such as international sports competitions, festivals, and religious ceremonies. The emphasis remains on prevention, early intervention, and on-site care, while supporting existing national systems for heat-related health management, emergency response, and clinical treatment.