At a skiing event where a spectator area collapses, what is the appropriate instruction for ambulatory patients?

The appropriate instruction for ambulatory patients in the event of a spectator area collapse during a skiing event is to go and wait by the ticket booth at the bottom of the slope. This location is likely designated as a safe area where further assistance and medical resources can be organized efficiently. It allows responders to have a central point to direct patients and gather information on those who may need medical attention.

In such emergencies, directing patients to a specific location helps maintain order and ensures that they are not wandering into potentially unsafe areas or obstructing rescue efforts. The ticket booth area is typically well-known, easily accessible, and monitored by event staff, which can facilitate communication and ensure that help is on hand.

In contrast, instructing ambulatory patients to go to the nearest hospital may lead to confusion, as they may not know the best route or may inadvertently complicate traffic for emergency responders. Returning to their vehicles could result in further chaos and potentially hinder access for emergency services. Advising individuals to stay where they are until help arrives could leave them in unsafe conditions without proper medical assistance or information on the situation. The chosen instruction balances patient safety, communication, and effective use of emergency resources.