Memorial Hermann is preparing for potential medical emergencies, heat illness, and other public safety concerns during the FIFA World Cup in Houston.
HOUSTON — With the FIFA World Cup now less than a month away from Houston’s first match, Memorial Hermann officials say healthcare workers are preparing for a busy summer tied to the international event.
Staff at the Texas Medical Center-based healthcare system say they are coordinating with agencies including the Houston Police Department and Houston Fire Department to prepare for everything from heat-related illnesses to potential mass casualty incidents.
Inside one of Memorial Hermann’s command centers, emergency management leaders are already planning for large crowds expected across Houston during the tournament.
“These events draw large crowds of people, but with large crowds of people, we have the potential for an increase of human trafficking, sexual assaults,” said Adam Lee, director of emergency management and organizational resilience for Memorial Hermann.
Lee said the health system has spent about a year preparing staff for the World Cup and its potential impacts.
Among those helping lead preparations is Dr. Sally Henin, an emergency physician and chief of medical operations for Memorial Hermann’s forensic nursing program.
Henin said large international events can create conditions where crimes such as sexual assault and human trafficking may increase.
“We have a large amount of people coming in, and with that gives opportunity for anonymity,” Henin said. “There’s more alcohol use, there’s more letting down your guard.”
Henin urged people attending matches and related events to stay aware of their surroundings, travel in groups and watch out for friends who may be vulnerable.
She also stressed the importance of seeking medical care quickly after a sexual assault.
“If you’re sexually assaulted, not only is the emotional, psychological aspect important, but also the medical aspect is extremely important,” Henin said, noting some preventative treatments have limited time windows.
Beyond public safety concerns, Memorial Hermann officials say they are also preparing for spikes in heat exhaustion, heart attacks and strokes during the month-long tournament.
Lee said one of the biggest challenges remains predicting how many people will ultimately come to Houston during the World Cup festivities.
“It’s hard to look at past data because the healthcare infrastructure in other countries is very different than we’re set up here,” Lee said. “I think it’s all going to come down to how does this event really materialize.”
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