Dealing with major incidents
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Managing Major Incidents at Stadiums: Roles and Procedures
Role of the Safety Officer
In the event of a major incident at a venue like QPR, the safety officer holds responsibility for managing the situation until public order issues necessitate handing over to the police. The safety officer is tasked with calling emergency services and handling the situation, which could involve either evacuating or invacuating the stadium, depending on where the threat is located.
Evacuation and Invacuation Procedures
If the threat is inside the stadium, the safety officer may order an evacuation. Conversely, if the threat is outside, they might initiate an invacuation, directing people onto the pitch or to other safe areas within the stadium rather than pushing them outside where they could be at greater risk.
Communication with Stewards
Stewards are kept informed about potential incidents as early as possible through various communication methods:
- Messages passed via the tannoy system
- Escalation calls indicating the severity of the situation
- Supervisors relaying information received via radio
Stewards are briefed step-by-step, for instance, being told something might happen, then updated as the situation escalates, and finally informed when evacuation or other measures are imminent.
Conclusion
Effective management of major incidents at stadiums involves clear roles and procedures. The safety officer coordinates the initial response, potentially involving evacuation or invacuation, while stewards are kept informed through structured communication to ensure the safety of all attendees.