Christmas Markets & Co.: Communication creates order in the crowds

Not only in summer but also in winter large-scale events regularly exercise a powerful attraction on people. Whether musical, festive, sporting, political, social or cultural nature, it is usually tens of thousands visitors, that don't want to miss out specific highlights event as Christmas markets. But it is precisely the variety of people who visits big events, that makes the challenges from a safety point of view.

"As tragic events have happened in the distant and also recently, it clearly increase the demands on security at major events," recalls Ralf Kudernak, managing director of Imtradex, on legal requirements and also necessary, organizational processes. The greatest fear of any promoter and the local security authorities is the mass panic. A few unfavourable circumstances - poor escape routes, uncoordinated stream of visitors, lack of admission control or the lack of communication between stewards and security forces - can have momentous consequences.

"To keep track of a big event and to maintain order in the masses, is in addition to good planning of the event and the proper training of personnel responsible for safety personnel and the technical equipment is of great importance," so the communications expert says. Properly understand and to be understood is the A and O. Because the security people must not only coordinate with each other and with information smoothly, but also receive instructions from their operations centre. And in fact: For most tragic issues at major events, a lack of communication between the security forces played a decisive role.

The technology it needs to make sure events keep in order, have made advanced progress. What the organizers have to look for when equipping their security personnel, says Imtradex managing director Ralf Kudernak is as follows: "The communications equipment should have some sound insulation to be very robust and thus protected against collisions, contain high quality microphones, light weight, as well - for outdoor events - be water resistant ". Suitable for major events Imtradex has a wide range of hear- and talk systems. In this way the event organisation, can ensure the safety of their visitors.