GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced new recommendations aimed at decreasing heat-related health issues during large-scale events worldwide. These guidelines target major sporting, religious, and cultural gatherings, focusing on protecting spectators, attendees, volunteers, and workers exposed to extended periods of high temperatures. An extensive review of evidence, covering studies published from 1980 through 2025, identified nearly 500,000 medical interactions at mass gatherings, with over 22,000 cases involving heat-related illnesses.
The review revealed that on-site medical services at event venues can effectively manage most cases without necessitating hospital transfers. When organizers establish well-prepared medical facilities on-site, over 90% of patients can receive treatment without leaving the venue. This approach alleviates pressure on local hospitals and ambulance services. The findings are part of a comprehensive package designed for governments, event organizers, and health authorities, combining research insights with practical tools for evaluating and managing heat-related risks before and during major events.
According to the guidance, deaths linked to heat have surged by an estimated 63% since the 1990s. On average, 546,000 fatalities annually occurred between 2012 and 2021 due to heat exposure. Crowded environments can amplify risks when individuals spend prolonged durations outdoors in extreme heat. Additional factors such as limited access to water, constrained movement, and travel-related stress further heighten these dangers. The high demand for health services can also hinder medical responses during large-scale events.
Integrating Heat Prevention into Event Management
The new guidance emphasizes the importance of providing accessible drinking water, sufficient sanitation facilities, and cooling infrastructure at venues. It also recommends adjusting event schedules, improving crowd control, and implementing protective measures for personnel working at the event. Organizers are advised to employ public communication strategies, utilize real-time health monitoring, and ensure the availability of emergency medical services as integral components of their planning process. WHO stresses that heat protection should be incorporated throughout the entire event, rather than relying solely on individual precautions. The design of the venue, transportation options, security protocols, and sanitation facilities all influence access to cooling and medical aid.
The comprehensive package includes systematic reviews, an implementation manual, and a specific heat-risk assessment tool. It also offers resources for developing public messages based on evidence during periods of elevated heat. The assessment tool facilitates structured and repeatable evaluations before and during the event. The broader framework encompasses planning, impact mitigation, and post-event recovery. Organizers can integrate these measures with existing emergency response plans, occupational safety standards, and national heat-health strategies.
Support for Early Heat Safety Measures is Backed by Evidence
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has observed that extreme heat events have become more frequent and intense across most land areas since the 1950s. Elevated temperatures can impose additional health challenges during large outdoor or crowded gatherings. Vulnerable populations such as older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, and those engaged in physical activity face heightened risks. Workers and volunteers often spend extended periods outdoors providing security, transportation, medical, or logistical support.
The guidance frames heat management as an essential element of comprehensive public health and emergency preparedness for mass gatherings. It advocates for continuous assessment of conditions throughout the event lifecycle and encourages coordination between health protection efforts and operational planning. These measures apply to various types and sizes of gatherings, including international sports competitions, festivals, and religious ceremonies. The approach prioritizes prevention, early intervention, and on-site care, while also supporting existing national systems for heat-related health management, emergency response, and clinical treatment.