Guides · Events · 4 min read
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.
In short: Below 500 people present at the same time, the Berlin Fire Brigade does not usually require event medical services. From 500 people at least two medics are envisaged, from 1,001 at least four. Above 3,000 people present, or in the case of particular risk, the requirement is assessed individually.
The three thresholds
| People present at the same time | Requirement without particular risk |
|---|---|
| under 500 | usually no event medical services required |
| 500 to 1,000 | at least 2 medics |
| 1,001 to 3,000 | at least 4 medics |
| over 3,000 | Assessment under the scheme, in consultation with the Berlin Fire Brigade |
What does “present at the same time” mean?
What counts is not how many people arrive over the course of the day, but how many are on site simultaneously at the busiest moment. A street festival with 4,000 visitors over the day can therefore stay below the threshold of 1,000.
When the flat-rate rule does not apply
As soon as a risk surcharge applies – for example heavy alcohol consumption, pyrotechnics, heat or an audience prone to violence – the flat-rate rule no longer applies. The calculation is then made under the Berlin Fire Brigade scheme.
And below 500 guests?
Even where there is no obligation: a collapse or an allergic reaction does not ask how many visitors there are. Two medics with a defibrillator are a sensible safeguard even at small events – and a good signal to guests and clients.
Three practical examples
- Club summer party, 300 guests: Below the threshold of 500. The authority does not usually require anything. Two medics with a defibrillator are still a modest expense – and are often required by the venue owner or the insurer.
- Company anniversary, 900 guests at the same time: At least two medics. If a lot of alcohol is served, the flat-rate rule no longer applies and the calculation is made under the scheme.
- Neighbourhood festival, 6,000 visitors over the day, at most 1,800 at the same time: The 1,800 is what counts. Without particular risk, at least four medics are sufficient.
How to estimate the number of people present at the same time
The most reliable figures are those from previous years: entry counts, ticket scans, how full the site was at peak time. If you do not have them, a simple consideration helps: how long does a guest stay on average, and how are arrivals distributed? For a ten-hour festival with a two-hour length of stay, rarely more than a third of the day’s guests are there at the same time. Put your assumption in writing – the authority will ask for it.
Who else can require event medical services
The threshold of 500 is the Berlin Fire Brigade’s line. There are other bodies that can prescribe cover:
- the district office in the permit, for example for events on public streets
- operators of halls and venues in their house rules
- sports federations in their competition rules
- insurers and clients
The Berlin thresholds do not apply in Brandenburg. There, most authorities assess using the Maurer scheme. The requirements calculator shows in a minute what strength results for your event.
The licence condition of the licensing authority is always what is binding.
Frequently asked questions
Do staff and performers count towards those present?
Yes. Everyone who is on site at the same time is counted – guests, staff, participants and stallholders.
Are our own first aiders enough instead of event medical services?
If the authority requires event medical services, no: this means trained medical personnel with equipment. Below the threshold, trained first aiders are a good minimum standard.
Does the threshold also apply to private events?
The information sheet does not distinguish between public and private. What matters are the number and type of event and the licence conditions of the licensing authority.
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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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.
Read more →Your event deserves cover you can rely on.
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