GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new recommendations aimed at minimizing heat-related health issues during large-scale events around the world. These guidelines specifically target major sporting, religious, and cultural gatherings. They address the dangers faced by spectators, attendees, volunteers, and staff who are exposed to extended periods of high temperatures. An evidence review published from 1980 through 2025 revealed nearly half a million medical encounters at mass gatherings, with over 22,000 cases involving heat-related illnesses.
According to the review, well-organized medical services at event locations are capable of managing most cases on-site without requiring hospital transfers. Over 90% of patients received care at the event venues when organizers had effective on-site medical systems in place. This approach can help alleviate the burden on local hospitals and ambulance services. These insights are part of a comprehensive package designed for governments, event organizers, and health authorities, combining research with practical tools for evaluating and managing heat risks before and during major events.
Since the 1990s, heat-related deaths have surged by an estimated 63%, as outlined in the guidance. Between 2012 and 2021, an average of 546,000 fatalities annually were linked to heat. Crowded environments can heighten exposure, especially when people spend prolonged periods outdoors in hot weather. Additional risks stem from limited access to water, restricted movement, and travel-related stress. High demand for health services further complicates medical responses during large-scale events.
Incorporating heat management into event planning
Recommendations include providing accessible drinking water, sufficient toilets, and cooling infrastructure at venues. The guidelines also suggest adjusting event schedules, improving crowd management, and implementing protective measures for staff working at these gatherings. Organizers are advised to utilize public messaging, real-time health monitoring, and ready medical services during planning phases. WHO emphasizes that heat protection should be a comprehensive approach covering the entire event rather than relying mainly on individual actions. Factors such as venue design, transportation, security, and sanitation all influence access to cooling and medical support.
This new initiative features systematic reviews, an implementation guide, and a dedicated tool for assessing heat risks. It also supplies materials to help develop evidence-based public messages during periods of elevated heat. The assessment instrument enables structured, repeatable evaluations before and during events. The overall framework emphasizes preparation, impact mitigation, and recovery, allowing organizers to integrate these strategies with existing emergency protocols, occupational safety standards, and national heat-health action plans.
Research supports proactive heat safety measures
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has documented that hot extremes are becoming more frequent and severe across most land areas since the 1950s. Increased heat levels can impose additional health risks during outdoor or crowded events. Vulnerable groups include older adults, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those involved in physical activities. Workers and volunteers who spend extended hours outside providing security, transportation, medical, or logistical support are also at heightened risk.
The guidance integrates heat management into broader public health and emergency preparedness strategies for mass gatherings. It urges authorities and organizers to continuously evaluate conditions throughout the event cycle and to coordinate health measures with operational planning. These recommendations apply to diverse types of gatherings, including international sports competitions, festivals, and religious ceremonies. The framework emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and onsite care while complementing existing national systems for heat-related health issues, emergency responses, and clinical management.