Emergency Staff and Nightman evacuate over a hundred extras from a West-area venue in barely twenty seconds

This is the first emergency simulation drill of its kind held in the Sant Antoni de Portmany nightlife district

Exercises like this highlight the vital importance of establishing safety protocols to respond swiftly in dangerous situations

IBIZA, May 9, 2013 (IMAM COMUNICACIÓN)

Ibiza companies Emergency Staff and Nightman conducted an emergency drill this morning in central Sant Antoni de Portmany, specifically at Tropicana Bar in the West End area. The exercise, held at 11:30 AM, demonstrated that with precise protocols and equipment, it is possible to evacuate over one hundred people gathered inside a venue in just twenty-two seconds. The drill was attended by British Vice Consul Sharon Hodges, along with representatives from tour operators such as TUI and Thomas Cook. Up to one hundred extras participated in the event, alongside emergency medical students from the DÁCTILO academy and Mediclinic ambulances. As Lluís Andrés Tubau, Managing Director at Emergency Staff, explained: “In high-density venues, it is vital to have a skilled medical emergency service with experience in such environments that can respond immediately during potential dangers.”

Tubau specified that during today’s event, “we assembled over one hundred extras who simulated being caught in a fire while partying at a venue, managing to evacuate with the assistance of four security personnel who cleared the entire venue in barely twenty seconds.” Additionally, the drill involved treating three casualties at a field hospital: one with a broken arm, another with traumatic brain injury, and a third in cardiorespiratory arrest. For the most critical simulated victim in cardiorespiratory arrest, “CPR was initiated at Emergency Staff’s field hospital and continued during transport to the hospital,” specified Emergency Staff’s manager, emphasizing that response time is paramount in such incidents. The Ibiza company, which has worked with several major nightclubs across the island, aims to raise awareness about risks in crowded venues. “Security arrangements like this, where we coordinate door staff with medical care, facilitate joint teamwork—which is vital for making these environments safer,” added Emergency Staff.

As Tubau explained: “Thanks to the collaboration of Jose Ribas, owner of Bar Tropicana, the Civil Guard, and the Local Police, this drill demonstrated how useful it is for high-density nightlife areas to rely on experienced professionals who can act quickly and effectively.” For this reason, the Managing Director acknowledged that “it is essential to raise awareness, which is why we organized this simulation replicating an overwhelmed yet realistic scenario.” Tubau added that “a single fire or major incident is enough to overwhelm local authorities in areas like this.”

Finally, Emergency Staff’s medical professional added that “emergency drills have been conducted in many public places such as airports or beaches, but the reality is that nightlife areas with massive crowds can also be high-risk locations.” He concluded: “We want everyone to keep this in mind so that our nights become progressively safer. Tragedies like Madrid Arena must never happen again, and it is imperative that we work to ensure they don’t.”