How To Survive A Stampede

Being caught in a stampede can be a terrifying experience. In crowded environments, such as concerts, festivals, or sporting events, things can quickly turn chaotic, but staying calm and knowing the right steps to take can save your life.

Casualties during stamped is not usually caused by trampling but what we call “compressive asphyxia” which simply means the lack of oxygen when the number of people taking in oxygen overpowers the supply of oxygen.

When someone falls, the person would require more oxygen intake because of the compression on the body and extra effort by the individual to get back up.

Here’s a  guide to help you navigate such a situation and emerge safely.

1. Stay Calm and Alert

When in a dense crowd, the first step is to remain calm and observant. Panicking can cloud your judgment and make you vulnerable. Assess the crowd’s behavior and look for signs of agitation, sudden movements, or loud noises.

• Avoid overly crowded areas: Position yourself near exits or along the edges of the gathering.

2. Move with the Crowd, Not Against It

If the crowd begins to surge, resist the urge to fight the flow. Go with the direction of movement to reduce the risk of being knocked over.

• Move diagonally toward safety: Aim to reach the edges of the crowd gradually.

3. Protect Yourself

Your primary goal in a stampede is to maintain breathing space and stay upright. Cross your arms over your chest. This creates a small buffer to protect your ribs and lungs.

• Keep your head up: Staying alert allows you to anticipate obstacles or find escape routes.

• Avoid carrying large items: These can obstruct movement and make you a target for pressure from the crowd.

4. If You Fall, Act Quickly

Falling in a stampede is dangerous, but quick action can minimize the risk.

• Try to get up immediately: Use the momentum of the crowd to push yourself up.

• Curl into a ball if you can’t stand: Protect your head and vital organs by covering them with your arms.

5. Identify Exits and Escape Routes

Before attending any large gathering, familiarize yourself with the layout.

• Spot emergency exits: Knowing where to go can save precious time in a chaotic situation.

• Avoid bottleneck areas: Stay away from tight spaces where people might pile up.

6. Avoid Dangerous Behaviors

Certain actions can increase your risk in a stampede.

• Don’t push or shove: This can escalate tension within the crowd.

• Don’t stop to retrieve items: Dropped belongings are not worth risking your life.

• Don’t hold onto stationary objects: These can trap you and intensify the pressure from the moving crowd.

7. After the Stampede

Once you’re safe, it’s crucial to assess the aftermath.

• Check for injuries: Examine yourself and others for any wounds or signs of trauma.

• Help others if possible: Offer assistance to those still struggling without endangering yourself.

• Report unsafe conditions: Alert authorities about overcrowding or inadequate safety measures.

Other Tips

To increase your odds of surviving a stampede, Good Morning America recommends the following:

If you see someone fall in front of you, yell, "Down!" and assume a protective stance, staggering your feet for balance and bringing your arms up to protect your heart and lungs. This can potentially save you from thousands of pounds of pressure.If you do fall, try to get back up. If you can’t get back up, protect your vital organs by lying on your side and covering your head with your hands.