Guides · Events · 5 min read
The Maurer scheme explained simply – with a worked example
How the Maurer scheme determines event medical services: points for visitor numbers, type of event and risks – with a worked example and online calculator.
In short: The Maurer scheme calculates a score from visitor numbers, type of event and special risks. From it, the number of helpers, vehicles and emergency physicians is derived. Many districts in Brandenburg use it; in Berlin, the Berlin Fire Brigade’s own scheme applies.
The formula
(points for permitted visitors + points for expected visitors) × event-type factor + additional points
- Permitted number of visitors: The larger the approved capacity, the more points – from 1 point at 500 people up to 9 points at 40,000. For indoor venues the value is doubled.
- Expected visitors: 1 point per 500 expected visitors.
- Event type: A factor from 0.1 (public hiking event) through 0.4 (local festival, Christmas market) up to 1.2 (rock concert).
- Additional points: 10 points for a known propensity for violence, 10 to 30 points for prominent guests.
Worked example: open-air concert
5,000 visitors are approved (4 points) and 4,000 are expected (8 points); the factor for open-air concerts is 1.0. Result: (4 + 8) × 1.0 = 12 points. This corresponds to 5 medics, 1 patient transport ambulance and 1 emergency ambulance.
Limits of the scheme
The scheme takes no account of weather, terrain, alcohol or experience from previous years. It is therefore a guideline. The licensing authority may deviate from it – and good event medical services explain where they recommend more or less.
From points to provision
The score is translated into tiers. The most important ones for small and medium-sized events:
| Points | Medics | Patient transport vehicles | Ambulances | Emergency physician |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| up to 2 | 2 if applicable | – | – | – |
| up to 4 | 3 | – | – | – |
| up to 13 | 5 | 1 | 1 from 6 points | – |
| up to 22 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| up to 40 | 20 | 2 to 3 | 1 to 2 | 1 to 2 |
From around 30 points the scheme provides for a dedicated command post, and from 50 points a casualty treatment post.
Second example: town festival in a small town
The site is approved for 3,000 people (4 points) and 2,000 are expected (4 points). The factor for a local or folk festival is 0.4. Result: (4 + 4) × 0.4 = 3.2 points, i.e. three medics. If the same event takes place in a hall, the points for the permitted number of visitors double: (8 + 4) × 0.4 = 4.8 points – that makes five medics and a patient transport ambulance.
Maurer scheme and Berlin scheme compared
- Number of visitors: Maurer uses the permitted and expected numbers, Berlin uses the number of people present at the same time.
- Risks: Maurer only considers a propensity for violence and prominent guests. Berlin also takes into account weather, fire risk, alcohol and experience from previous years.
- Result: Maurer specifies medics, vehicles and emergency physicians. Berlin specifies medics, paramedics, physicians, casualty treatment posts and defibrillators.
The scheme goes back to Klaus Maurer, the former head of the Karlsruhe professional fire brigade. It is not a law, but many public order offices use it as the basis for their licence conditions. In the Maurer calculator you can work out your event yourself; for Berlin, read on in our guide Calculating event medical services in Berlin.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Maurer scheme binding?
No, it is a guideline. It only becomes binding when the licensing authority bases its licence conditions on it – and it may deviate from it.
What do I do if no permitted number of visitors has been set?
Then it is estimated from the area. For standing room, the Assembly Venues Ordinance (Versammlungsstättenverordnung) assumes two people per square metre.
Why does the scheme sometimes give zero medics for small events?
With few visitors and a low factor, the score stays below 2. The scheme then requires nothing – a small team with a defibrillator still makes sense.
Matching service: Event medical services from Pandemedics – quote within 2 hours on working days.
Keep reading
Calculating event medical services in Berlin: how the Berlin Fire Brigade scheme works
How many medics does an event in Berlin need? The Berlin Fire Brigade assessment scheme explained step by step – with an example and calculator.
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Checklist: planning event medical services for your event in 8 steps
From approval to incident report: this checklist shows organisers in Berlin and Brandenburg how to plan event medical services properly.
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From how many visitors do you need event medical services in Berlin?
From 500 people present at the same time, the Berlin Fire Brigade generally requires event medical services. The thresholds of 500, 1,000 and 3,000 at a glance.
Read more →Your event deserves cover you can rely on.
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