Emergency Management and Public Safety Mass Gathering Preparation for a Total Solar Eclipse

Introduction: Solar eclipses are often associated with mass gatherings along the path of totality. Understanding the effects of such events on emergency services is crucial for preparedness and resource allocation. This study aims to investigate preparations for and the impact of the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse in two metropolitan areas: Indianapolis and Bloomington, Indiana, USA. Methods: Organizations involved in emergency management and public safety were sent a questionnaire assessing their preparedness efforts as well as the expected and actual impact that the eclipse had on each organization. Data was collected and managed using REDCap electronic data capture tools hosted at Indiana University School of Medicine. Results: Twenty-seven organizations were sent the questionnaire. Fifteen responses were obtained. Eight self-identified as hospital/healthcare, one as fire department, one as school/university, zero as federal or state government, one as local government, three as emergency medical services, zero as police, and one as other (emergency management/fire department) The median overall anticipated impact before the eclipse was three on a 1-5 Likert scale, with increased traffic being the most anticipated impact The median perceived impact after the eclipse was two (1-5 Likert scale), with increased population, traffic, and potential for mass casualties being the most impacted. Key themes extrapolated from the qualitative data include: communication and coordination between and within organizations is key to effective preparation and response; exercise planning for real-world events has intrinsic value beyond the actual event; overall impacts to hospitals were less than expected; overall preparedness efforts likely decreased any significant impacts. Conclusion: Solar eclipses pose unique problems and require multi-agency coordination to prepare for large influxes of visitors. While impacts on emergency services may not be as profound as initially anticipated, active preparation for such events has intrinsic value and may mitigate negative consequences.