NEW DELHI: In the blink of an eye, a sea of faces can turn into a deadly tidal wave, sweeping away everything in its path. Amid the chaos and confusion during a stampede, there is a thin line between life and death. While there may not be a sure-shot way to escape, disaster management personnel and senior police officers elaborated on a range of steps that could lead you to safety.
“One should scan the surroundings for potential escape routes, such as side alleys, doorways, or gaps in the crowd. Make a beeline for these openings, but be cautious not to get trampled in the process,” said a senior official.
A retired cop, who successfully managed large gatherings in Delhi for years, said one should try and stay on their feet at all costs during a stampede or crowd surge. “If you fall, it’s extremely difficult to get up, you risk being trampled. Use any available support, such as a wall or a railing, to stay upright,” he said, adding that if pushed or crushed, a person needs to look for something, such as a wall, a pillar, or even a large piece of furniture nearby, to shield himself from the crowd.
Medical professionals said the ‘boxer position’ often helped in such situations. “Most deaths happen due to traumatic asphyxia, which occurs when intense pressure is applied to the chest or upper body, preventing normal breathing and blood circulation,” said a senior healthcare professional. “So, keeping your hands up and close to your chest, like a boxer’s stance, helps protect vital organs from being crushed. This will also help you maintain some control over your movements,” he advised.
According to a senior cop, earlier posted in the mounted police that is used to control crowd, it’s essential to remain calm and think clearly in that chaos. “Panicking will cloud your judgment, making it harder to make rational decisions. Take a few deep breaths, assess the situation, and focus on finding a way to safety immediately,” he said.
Most of these tragedies, officers said, had a few elements in common: a bottleneck that prevented people from entering or exiting, poor crowd control, and overcrowding. “If you are visiting a station, a bus stand, or a music festival, familiarise yourself with your environment, including the location of exits, entrances, and any potential bottleneck. This knowledge will help you navigate the crowd more effectively and avoid dangerous areas,” the officer added.
Disaster management personnel asserted that one should avoid the centre of the crowd. “In our experience, that’s often the most densely packed and prone to crushing. Try to move towards the edges of the crowd, where there may be more space to breathe and move,” said a senior official. “Resist the temptation to push back against the crowd or try to fight your way through. This will only exhaust you and increase your risk of injury. Instead, focus on moving with the crowd while trying to find a way to safety.”
A senior police officer said, “If authorities, such as police or event staff, are present, follow their instructions. They may be able to provide guidance on the safest escape routes or offer assistance in evacuating the area.”
The officer also suggested that one could stay prepared for such an incident by staying informed about the event or the location he was visiting. “Know the emergency procedures, and take steps to stay safe, such as staying near exits and avoiding densely packed areas,” he added.
