Multi-agency response capabilities and planning for significant sporting events

Mark Scoular

The 2012 London Olympics required complex and intricate emergency planning as an event bringing together people from around the globe. Events of this scale and nature require logistical considerations surrounding crisis response and evacuation. Large crowds generate opportunity for risk not only from an external threat, but also during those processes of evacuation put in place with the intention of protection. This case study will highlight the logistical and developmental needs of planning for risk in a global event, and the necessity of wider dissemination to all levels of those involved in the planning and day-to-day function during the duration of the Games. This forms the core of preparedness for crisis response, and can be transferred to apply to the necessity of detailed and thorough logistical planning for similar scenarios, such as the FIFA World Cup 2022, upcoming in the Qatar region.