Innovative Technologies in Preventing and Managing Heat Exhaustion During Large Religious Gatherings

Abstract

Context: The Arbaeen pilgrimage, one of the largest annual religious gatherings, attracts millions of participants to Karbala, Iraq, presenting significant spiritual and logistical challenges. However, the extreme heat and overcrowded conditions during the pilgrimage pose serious health risks, particularly heat exhaustion, which can lead to severe complications if unmanaged. Innovative technologies have emerged as key solutions to address these challenges and enhance health management. Objectives: This narrative review aims to examine the environmental and social factors contributing to heat exhaustion during large religious gatherings and explore the role of emerging technologies in preventing and managing heat stress. Evidence Acquisition: A qualitative approach was employed, synthesizing data from academic studies, field reports, and expert opinions. Literature searches were conducted using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on keywords including "heat exhaustion", "wearable devices", "hydration technologies", and "crowd management". Thematic analysis categorized findings into environmental risks, technological interventions, and implementation challenges. Results: Key findings revealed major contributors to heat exhaustion, including high ambient temperatures, crowding, and limited hydration access. Technologies such as wearable monitoring devices, portable cooling units, smart hydration systems, mobile health applications, and AI-driven crowd management tools were identified as effective in mitigating heat stress risks. However, challenges in accessibility, affordability, cultural sensitivity, and infrastructure deployment were noted. Conclusions: Technological innovations hold immense potential in preventing heat exhaustion during mass gatherings like the Arbaeen pilgrimage. Effective implementation requires stakeholder collaboration, proactive planning, and educational campaigns to maximize impact. This review highlights the need for integrating research, funding, and community-driven efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims.