Calculating event medical services in Berlin: how the Berlin Fire Brigade scheme works

Anyone planning an event in Berlin must organise and pay for the event medical services themselves. The Berlin Fire Brigade sets out an assessment scheme for this in its information sheet “Sanitätsdienst bei Veranstaltungen” (event medical services; as at 03.2025). We explain how it works – and when you need to consult the Fire Brigade.

When do I need event medical services?

• Under 500 people present at the same time: The Berlin Fire Brigade does not usually require event medical services. They still make sense – even a collapse can become dangerous without a first aider.
• 500 to 1,000 people present: at least two medics.
• 1,001 to 3,000 people present: at least four medics – provided there is no particular risk.
• Over 3,000 people present or increased risk: The event medical services are agreed with the Berlin Fire Brigade; from 6 points an event medical services concept must be approved.

The formula

Point value × risk multiplier + risk surcharges = total score

1. Point value

It depends on the number of people present at the same time – not on tickets sold over the whole day. 500–1,500 people give 1 point, 1,501–3,000 people 2 points, 3,001–5,000 people 3 points, 5,001–10,000 people 4 points. After that the value rises in steps up to 14 points at 100,000 people.

2. Risk multiplier

It weights the type of event. A trade fair is 0.5 to 0.8, a theatre 1, a run 1.2 and an unseated concert 1.2 to 2.

3. Risk surcharges

For an audience prone to violence, persons with a security level, fire risk, weather risk and heavy alcohol or drug use, 1 to 2 points are added in each case. Experience from previous years can raise or lower the score.

Example: open-air concert with 8,000 guests

Point value 4 × multiplier 1.5 (unseated) + 1 point for alcohol = 7 points. According to the table this means: 14 medics, including 4 paramedics (Rettungssanitäter), 1 physician, a head of event medical services, 3 casualty treatment posts and 3 AEDs. In addition, the Berlin Fire Brigade must approve the concept.

Further obligations from the information sheet

• The event medical services are ready for action at full strength from the time the doors open.
• Every point on the site must be reachable within 4 minutes with an AED (at least 90% of the area).
• Personnel, casualty treatment posts and vehicles are marked “Sanitätsdienst” (event medical services).
• First aid given is documented and presented to the Fire Brigade on request.

How we help you

We calculate the requirement, write the event medical services concept, agree it with the Berlin Fire Brigade and provide personnel, equipment and casualty treatment posts. Start with our free calculator – you can send the result directly as an enquiry.

The results table: what is behind the points

From the total score, the Berlin Fire Brigade’s table shows what must be provided. The most important tiers:

As you can see, there is a clear jump between 5 and 6 points. From 6 points, a head of event medical services and the Fire Brigade’s approval are added. It is therefore worth determining the input values carefully rather than estimating generously.

Second example: street festival with 2,500 guests

2,500 people present at the same time give a point value of 2. A local or street festival has a multiplier of 1. Without surcharges it remains 2 points – and because fewer than 3,000 people are present at the same time and there is no particular risk, the flat-rate rule applies: at least four medics. If a lot of alcohol is served in the evening, a surcharge is added. The flat-rate rule then no longer applies, and the event medical services are agreed with the Fire Brigade.

Three levers that organisers control themselves

• Count people present at the same time realistically: Entry figures, ticket scans or counts from previous years are more reliable than the total number of visitors.
• Justify the multiplier: Where there are ranges such as 1.2 to 2, the description of the event decides. Seating, age structure and duration are good arguments for the lower value.
• Document experience: An incident report from the previous year with few cases of first aid can deduct up to two points.

The example calculations on our pricing page show how the points affect your budget. For what belongs in the concept, read our guide Event medical services concept for Berlin.

Note: This article is intended as guidance. Only the conditions in the licensing procedure are binding.

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