How does stampede occur and what should you do?

  • 9 years ago
In this video we will answer some important queations like
1. How does stampede occur / happen?
2. what starts a stampede?
3. do or die situation in stampede.
4. what is Stampede?
5. what should you do in a stampede situation?

Understanding Stampede
A stampede is when people charge away from something that scares them or they feel that they are in danger. It is seen to occur during religious pilgrimages, sporting and music events. For example If a situation that causes panic like fire or explosion occurs the people try to get away quickly. .
A crowd craze is when people rush towards something of perceived value. Like getting into the place like mandir or concerts. In such cases the crowd is forced to move forward as people in the back continue pushing not knowing that those in the front are being crushed.
Getting trampled is not the cause of death which we may intuitively believe to be. Most deaths in stampede occurs due to “chest compression” in which the expansion of the lungs is limited due to compressing force on the torso. People can even die standing up when pressure is applied to their bodies in a front to back direction, causing a limitation to breathing.


Special Video On Crowd Dynamics

Things to watch out when you reach a crowded Place
Always be mentally aware of alternate exits (not the one you came in from).
Always do a mental exercise picturing the route you will take to get out quickly.
The mental exercise will counter your natural urge is to use the same entry when you exit, not because it's safer, but it's familiar.
Always try to look for alternative exit since in emergency situation they will be used by fewer people that will get you out more quickly.
Make yourself aware of the type of ground you are standing on. If your are in crowded place wet or uneven ground will cause you to lose balance quickly.
Be aware of the general atmosphere of the event, as panic situations can often be anticipated. If you feel the situation may turn dangerous try to stay closer to the escape route
If you are starting to feel u ncomfortable in a crowd it is a good time to leave. But it may be very difficult for you because you may have come a long distance, or you've waited for a long time and you don't want to leave.
Many people leave that decision until it's too late
When in crowded spaces always try to keep both hands free. Leave you purse or other items in car or a secure place.

While stuck in stampede
Understand the crowd dynamics & scattering patterns. The crowd moves in a wave form. First there is a huge Push. Then its little calmer. Then again a push. Like waves.
If you get stuck in stampede do not fight against the pressure, do not stand still or sit down, because you could easily get trampled.
Instead, dash in the diagonal direction of the crowd when the crowd get calmer. When pressure is applied on your side it helps people survive greater force since the rib cages are protecting their ability to breath
Move with the crowd when the push comes and take advantage of any space that may open up to move sideways to the crowd movement where the flow is weaker.
Many time the hardest part is the entry or exit and if you feel it may get dangerous try to move toward the corners of the structure.
Keep your hands up by your chest, like a boxer – it gives you movemen t and protects your chest.
Keep your wits about you. Try to keep up with the flow of the crowd. Keep your head down, so you can watch your feet and still keep your eyes on the back of the person in front of you
Try to stay away from wa lls, fences or barricades, as the crowd pressure can build up rapidly.

If you fall in the stampede crowd
If you fall, get up quickly. Don’t try to pick if you lose an item like a camera or purse. This is very common reason for people not being able to get up quickly because they try to protect the valuables.
If you can’t get up because you are injured, get someone to pull you back up. Strongly catch someone's cloths to pull your self. The force of crowd is enoug h to pull you back up.
If you fall and cannot get up, keep moving by crawling in the same direction of the crowd,
If that is not possible, then cover your head with your arms and curl up into the fetal position (do not lay on your stomach or back, as this dangerously exposes your lungs).



Most importantly DON'T PANIC & DON'T FALL. Move few steps diagonally until you reach the periphery.