Résumé de section

  • 1. Welcome to the NCS4 Crowd Safety Course

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    Crowd Dynamics

    Your principal lecturer is Prof. Dr G. Keith Still - one of the world's leading experts in crowd safety, with over 30 years of international training and research experience. This course covers the core principles of crowd science and the risk analysis tools used in planning and managing places of public assembly.

    By the end you'll have a working understanding of how crowd-related incidents occur and the practical methods used to prevent them.

    To pass, complete the final quiz with 80% or higher.

    3

    Attempts

    1 hr

    Time Limit

    80%

    Pass Mark

    Before You Submit

    Check your Date of Birth and Full Name are correct in your profile - these are used for Highfield records and changes after submission may incur charges.

    Content Notice

    This course includes footage and case studies from real incidents, some involving serious injuries and fatalities. All material is for educational purposes. Take a break if needed and contact support if you have concerns.

  • 2. Crowd Science and DIM-ICE

    2. Crowd Science and DIM-ICE

    Introduction to Crowd Science

    This topic introduces the scientific framework underpinning crowd safety — why experience alone is not enough, how and why crowd disasters occur, and how the DIM-ICE model is used to analyse and manage risk across any event or venue.

    Learning Outcomes

    ► Introduction
    ► Understanding the underlying causality of crowd accidents and incidents
    ► History of accidents and incidents
    ► Understanding your perceptions/perspective
    ► Media reporting and risks
    ► Understanding crowd dynamics
    ► The DIM-ICE risk analysis model and its application
    		 

  • 3. Crowd Dynamics


    3. Crowd Dynamics

    Introduction to Crowd Science

    In this module, we outline the principles of crowd dynamics. We focus on risks associated with packing density (static crowds) and moving space requirements (dynamic crowds) for crowd safety.

    We also outline the formation of "shock waves" in the crowd and how they develop. The module includes two reviews of queueing systems design.

    Learning outcomes

    ► Static crowd density
    ► Moving crowd density
    ► Crowd shockwaves
    ► Crowd collapse
    ► The dynamics of crowd collapse
    ► Queuing systems
    ► Flowing systems
    		 

  • 4. Crowd Modelling

    4. Crowd Modelling

    Introduction to Crowd Science

    In this course module, we illustrate the issues of transport hubs and their proximity to an event site.

    One of the issues for transport at major events is how they influence crowd behaviour. We highlight this problem with a worked example.

    Lesson Topics

    ► Understand how to represent crowd flow on a site model
    ► Understand the risks associated with a high-density crowded space
    ► Understand how to influence egress behaviour
    		 

  • 5. RAMP Analysis

    5. RAMP Analysis

    Introduction to Crowd Science

    We developed a technique called RAMP Analysis to define the crowd dynamics for places of public assembly.

    RAMP analysis defines the Routes, the Areas, the Movement (over time) and the crowd Profile (People) in and around the event.

    We outline the principles and applications of RAMP analysis using a case study from a real-time crowd-counting example.

    Learning Outcomes

    ► Understanding the process of approximations
    ► Defining complex spaces using approximations
    ► Routes, Areas, Movement and Profile/People definitions
    ► Establishing the arrival profile
    ► Establishing crowd profiles
    ► Using RAMP analysis for planning and managing crowds
    ► How this was used to evaluate mass gatherings (case study)
    		 

  • 6. Crowd Counting

    6. Crowd Counting

    Introduction to Crowd Science

    This module covers the methods used to evaluate crowd numbers at events. Accurate crowd counting is an essential component of both planning and managing crowds in places of public assembly and at major events.

    Learning Outcomes

    ► Measuring the masses
    ► Using the flow rate as a crowd count
    ► Using density as a crowd count
    ► The issues relating to overestimating crowd size

  • 7. Control Room Information

    7. Control Room Information

    Introduction to Crowd Science

    In this module, we show how models can be integrated into the control room monitoring systems.

    We illustrate the principles of attention and why it is essential to understand the way our minds focus on information.

    Learning Outcomes

    ► Attention and awareness (TED Talk)
    ► Keeping information in the right place
    ► Control room reference graphics
    		 

  • 8. Queueing Systems

    8. Queueing Systems

    Introduction to Crowd Science

    This module examines queueing as a critical component of event safety. It covers the principles of queueing behaviour, psychology and dynamics, including how queues form and how crowds respond within queueing systems. The module addresses the balance between safety screening and security, and the crowd risks that arise when queueing regimes change. It also introduces the general queueing model formula for determining queue build-up over time.

    Learning Outcomes

    ► Queueing systems and queue behaviour
    ► Balancing safety and security for events/venues/sites
    ► Ingress (arrival rates)
    ► Egress queuing systems
    ► Site design for queueing systems
    ► Using the queueing models

  • 9. Crowd Risk Analysis

    9. Crowd Risk Analysis

    Introduction to Crowd Science

    In this module, we outline the difference between public and professional perceptions of risk. We introduce the concepts of risk and congestion mapping for places of public assembly.

    Learning Outcomes

    ► How the public perceives risks
    ► How a professional perceives risk
    ► Key elements in risk awareness
    ► Key elements of incident investigation
    ► Using risk mapping for event planning/management
    		 

  • 10. Event Egress Analysis

    10. Event Egress Analysis

    Introduction to Crowd Science

    In this module, we outline an event egress problem to introduce the principles of modelling site dimensions and as a guided application of risk management.

    Learning Outcomes

    ► How to read maps/plans and apply data to a case study
    ► How to model a site
    ► How to communicate the risks
    ► How to address critical safety issues in a case study

  • 11. Strategic and Tactical Analysis

    11. Strategic and Tactical Analysis

    Introduction to Crowd Science

    This module covers strategic and tactical analysis as a planning framework for major events. It introduces a structured method for assessing decisions that may impact crowd safety, and demonstrates the use of matrix analysis across crowd communication, professional communication, and risk analysis related to time and location.

    Learning Outcomes

    ► Examples of various decision support analysis techniques
    ► Risk v location v time
    ► Crowd communication
    ► Time v density v flow v risk

  • 12. Emergency Situations

    12. Emergency Situations

    Introduction to Crowd Science

    This module addresses emergency management in places of public assembly. It examines how large crowds respond to emergency situations through two case examples, and covers the principles of large area evacuation planning, strategic options, and human behaviour during emergency situations.

    Learning Outcomes

    ► Anticipate/Prevent, Detect, Respond and Recover
    ► Modelling evacuation
    ► The recovery cycle
    ► Understanding human behaviour in an emergency
    ► Communication with the Crowd
    ► Egress strategies and decision support analysis
    ► Modelling major site evacuation plans
    		 

  • 13. Course Summary

    13. Course Summary

    Introduction to Crowd Science

    In this lecture, we summarise the course modules. We hope you have enjoyed listening to the lectures and taking part in the exercises.

    Modules Covered

    ► The DIM-ICE risk model
    ► Queueing systems
    ► Crowd dynamics and crowd risks (Static, Dynamic and Contingency)
    ► Crowd Risk Analysis
    ► Crowd Modelling
    ► Event Egress Analysis
    ► RAMP Analysis
    ► Strategic and Tactical Analysis
    ► Crowd Counting
    ► Emergency Situations
    ► Control Room Information
    		 

  • 14. Assessments and Certificates

    Final Assessment

    To complete this course, you must pass the online multiple-choice quiz.

    15

    Questions

    Multiple choice

    60

    Minutes

    80% to pass

    3

    Attempts

    Maximum allowed
      After each question, click Check in the top left of your screen before moving on — your answer will not be saved until you do.
      Once you pass, your system certificate appears in your profile under Grades. Your official Level 3 certificate from Highfield will follow by email within a few days.

    Action Required — Certificate Details

    Before completing this course, you must verify your profile.

    Before completing this course, you must ensure your full name and date of birth are correct in your profile. Highfield requires this information for certification. If you request changes after your certificate is issued, an administrative charge will apply.

    1
    		Date of Birth — You must enter your date of birth in your profile. Highfield requires this to issue your certificate.
    2
    		Full Name — Check the spelling carefully. Your name will appear on your certificate exactly as it is entered here.
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