Anthony Karpanos
Helping mining, construction & venue organisations build safety that works in the field | Founding Director, Soteria 360 | 25+ yrs law enforcement & WHS | Author | Speaker
March 24, 2025
In any large event, security and safety teams play a crucial role in maintaining order and ensuring the well-being of attendees. But being inside the crowd barrier—right up against the energy, excitement, and potential chaos of the event—requires more than just a strong presence. It demands situational awareness at the highest level. Unlike perimeter security, where threats can often be assessed from a distance, security personnel within the barrier are fully immersed in the environment. This close proximity to the crowd means that issues can escalate rapidly, requiring quick thinking, sharp observation, and immediate action. Whether it’s detecting a medical emergency, identifying an individual in distress, or de-escalating tensions before they lead to a full-blown incident, guards must stay engaged and alert at all times. It’s not just about physical presence—it’s about actively reading the environment, anticipating problems, and responding with precision and efficiency.
Why Situational Awareness Matters Inside the Barrier
Being inside the crowd barrier is a proactive rather than reactive role. The closer you are to the action, the greater the need for early detection of potential safety threats, medical issues, or escalating incidents. Good situational awareness allows security personnel to:
- Identify signs of distress before they escalate.
- Spot suspicious behaviour early.
- Assist attendees who may be in trouble but unable to signal for help.
- Prevent crowd crushes, medical emergencies, and fights before they happen.
Key Behaviours to Watch For
Physical Distress:
- Fainting or dizziness: Attendees swaying, leaning on barriers, or holding their heads.
- Breathing issues: Gasping, clutching the chest, or visibly struggling.
- Dehydration signs: Disoriented movement, flushed skin, or sluggish reactions.
Emotional Distress:
- Panic or anxiety: Wide eyes, hyperventilating, or clutching objects tightly.
- Isolation in a crowd: Someone standing stiffly while others around them are moving.
- Silent distress: A person not engaging with friends, looking down, or showing no response to external stimulation.
Potential Aggressors:
- Unnatural movement: Shoving through people without reacting to normal body contact.
- Scanning behaviour: Head on a swivel, repeatedly checking exits or watching security teams.
- Rapid mood shifts: Someone going from calm to aggressive quickly.
Unusual Group Dynamics:
- A person being dragged or carried unwillingly.
- Small clusters forming aggressively in areas without a reason.
- Excessive attention on one individual, either through stares or attempts to corner them.
Technology-Based Distress Signals:
- Flashing phone lights: Younger demographics may use their phone camera flash or screen to get your attention.
- Text-based signals: Messages like “HELP!” or “WATER!” displayed on their phone screens or running across their smart devices.
- Unusual device use: A person holding up their phone repeatedly in your direction, pointing to their screen, or attempting to discretely type while looking at you.
Professional Spotlight
This week, we’re featuring… — Adam Gilbert. Adam’s journey in event security began in 2007, when he worked his very first music festival. From the moment he stepped onto the grounds, he felt an immense sense of purpose in helping create a safe, enjoyable atmosphere for everyone involved. That initial spark grew into a lasting passion, driving him to protect and serve at events across Australia and beyond.
Over the years, Adam has been privileged to provide security at music festivals, sports events, and even international tours for bands and athletic teams. Whether it’s safeguarding a sold-out concert or ensuring star athletes can focus on their performance, the exhilaration of working behind the scenes never fades. Adam loves knowing that his efforts help thousands of people have an unforgettable, stress-free experience.
A core part of his role involves training new staff, and he’s found that sports analogies make complex security concepts easy to grasp. Here are a few that really resonate:
- Defending the goal reminds us our primary mission is to protect the crowd and prevent breaches.
- Reading the play encourages keen awareness of the environment and anticipating potential risks.
- Maintaining formation underlines the importance of teamwork and a coordinated approach to crowd control.
- Hydration is key underscores the value of keeping people refreshed in high-energy settings.
Adam says he is grateful every day for the opportunity to share his passion, work with great teams, and help create a safe space where people can come together to enjoy music, sports, and entertainment. Here’s to many more years of doing what he loves: keeping the crowd safe!
Tacticool Tip of the Week
Silent Signals Save Lives: Not all distress calls are loud. In a packed crowd, people in trouble might not be able to yell or wave for help. Watch for subtle signals—flashing phone screens, a text across the screen saying “HELP,” or someone making repeated eye contact but not speaking.
Your job isn’t just to scan for threats—it’s to recognise when someone needs you before they can say it. Stay sharp, stay aware, and stay Tacticool.
Call-to-Action & Next Steps
What subtle distress signals have you encountered at events? Have you ever noticed someone using technology to ask for help? Share your experiences or advice in the comments, and let’s start a conversation: how can we all be more aware and proactive in crowd safety?
Don’t forget to subscribe to this newsletter for our next edition!
Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-karpanos-088692246
Feel free to share this newsletter with friends, colleagues, or fellow event enthusiasts—together, let’s stay prepared, proactive, and of course… Tacticool!