How to understand that the crowd will turn into a stampede? 153 people have lost their lives in the stampede that broke out during the Halloween celebration in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. So how do you know when you’re in the crowd that there will be a stampede? What is the way out of the stampede? The security expert explained the stampede signals and the way to get rid of the stampede.
151 people have died so far in the stampede that broke out during the Halloween celebration in Seoul, the capital of South Korea.
As national mourning is declared in the country today, officials say there was a stampede after those in the back of the celebration pushed the crowd in a narrow street.
Eyewitnesses report that a large crowd suddenly poured into the 4-meter-wide street, and those in the front fell and piled on top of each other under the pressure of those behind.
This tragic event, in which more than 100 people were injured, asked, “What to do in a possible stampede?” raises the question.
Experts say that at the time of the stampede, first of all, it is necessary to act calmly and not to panic.
How to understand that the crowd will turn into a stampede?
DECISION TO START FROM THE CROWD
According to the Independent’s report, security expert Paul Wertheimer recommends that people who go to crowded events record all exits in the venue in their minds as soon as they arrive at the destination.
“The moment you start to feel uncomfortable in a crowd, it’s time to decide to leave,” says Wertheimer.
“It’s very difficult because if you’ve traveled a long distance or waited a long time, you don’t want to leave.”
How to understand that the crowd will turn into a stampede?
READ ALARM SIGNALS WELL
Experts use the number of people per square meter to determine the size of a confluence.
If there are less than 5 people per square meter, the environment can be uncomfortable, but this is not considered a big problem.
If there are 6 people per square meter, the situation becomes dangerous.
When there are 8 people per square meter, there are injuries and deaths.
How to understand that the crowd will turn into a stampede?
It can be helpful for people in the crowd to feel this intensity. If you think people are touching both your shoulders or several parts of your body at the same time, you’re probably getting 6 or more people per square foot.
According to experts, when you realize this, if you still have time and can move, you need to get away from the environment. Because this is a great alarm signal.
How to understand that the crowd will turn into a stampede?
THE BIGGEST DANGER IS TO BE OXYGEN-FREE
Unlike movies that depict stampede moments, the biggest threat isn’t being trampled on. Experts say that being suffocated while standing is also a great threat. This condition, called compressional asphyxia, can have serious consequences.
Therefore, it is necessary to stay calm, focus and always be aware of the environment. Wertheimer recommends avoiding screaming to avoid wasting oxygen. In this case, you can use body language to communicate with those around you, such as pointing and waving.
“If you can maintain enough room to breathe, you’ll be fine,” says researcher Mehdi Moussaïd, who studies crowd behavior.
“Place your arms just in front of your chest and hold them there. In this position, you have the opportunity to free up a half or a centimeter of space for yourself. This is enough for you to continue breathing.
How to understand that the crowd will turn into a stampede?
HELPING OTHERS CAN SAVE YOUR LIVES
According to Moussaïd, both selfish behavior and the urge to help others are contagious in crowded environments.
“If you try to help your neighbor, they will help you or others around you,” the researcher adds.
“If this behavior spreads, it creates an atmosphere that makes things easier. So you definitely need to adopt the helping behavior.”
KEEPING UP WITH THE CROWD
It may seem logical to try to stay in place in a jam and resist the movement of the crowd. But this is not a good move, according to Wertheimer.
It is not possible to resist the power of the crowd and it can create a risk of injury. Instead, it is necessary to keep up with the general pace.
People who act against the crowd create a kind of turbulence. As a result, some people get stuck in the middle of the crowd pushing them in different directions. This is a very dangerous situation that can lead to tragedy.
According to experts, in order not to disturb the harmony of the crowd, it is necessary to avoid kneeling, standing, pushing others and picking up falling objects.
How to understand that the crowd will turn into a stampede?
ACORDEON METHOD
Wertheimer also developed a technique called the accordion method. “After pushing forward, the moment of recession comes, just like in a wave. This recession is a chance for you to move in a zigzag pattern,” the security expert continues.
“There is always some space between people. You take a few steps to the side and another wave comes.