We’re heading into festival season, so make sure you’re prepared not just to have a good time but to stay safe with our first aid for festivals tips.

While attending festivals and other events can be fun, there is also the potential for a number of first aid scenarios.

In this post, we’re going to address some of the most common first aid situations you may encounter at a festival so you can be prepared to help if the need arises.

First aid for dehydration

It’s all too easy to get so carried away with enjoying yourself at a festival that you forget to drink regularly.

And you put yourself at increased risk of dehydration if you combine low fluid intake with staying out in the sun for too long, sweating due to lots of physical activity like dancing and drinking alcohol.

Be sure to know the signs of dehydration:

  • Feeling thirsty
  • Dark urine
  • Flushed skin
  • Sunken eyes
  • Headache, which can be severe
  • Confusion
  • Anxiety

If you think someone is dehydrated, this is what you should do:

  • Get them comfortable in a cool and shaded area.
  • Encourage them to take sips of water.
  • Monitor them carefully for signs that their condition is worsening.
  • If you’re worried about the casualty, they are unconscious or they don’t seem to be improving, be sure to contact the medical facilities at your event.

In an emergency, call triple zero (000) for help.

First aid for heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion happens when your body overheats and can’t cool down — for example, if you’ve been sweating as a result of being outside in the hot sun for a long time or have been exercising rigorously.

It can happen at outdoor events like festivals when you’re intent on having a good time and forget to take care of yourself.

These are some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion:

  • Excessive sweating
  • Cold, clammy skin
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Headache
  • Raised temperature (normal body temperature is 36.5°C to 37.5°C)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Swelling in the feet, ankles or hands
  • Rapid breathing
  • Weak, rapid heartbeat

Here’s what you should do if someone has heat exhaustion:

  • Get the casualty to sit down somewhere cool and out of the sun.
  • Remove any uncomfortable clothing.
  • You can help cool them down by applying cool, damp towels to their skin.
  • Encourage them to take sips of water or a rehydration solution.
  • Stay with the casualty and monitor their symptoms carefully.
  • Contact the event’s medical station if they don’t seem to be recovering.

Be sure to call triple zero (000) if the patient appears to be seriously ill. Know that if left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

First aid for drug and alcohol issues

Drinking too much alcohol or consuming illicit drugs always poses a risk to health. Because it’s not possible to predict the effect excessive alcohol or drugs can have on an individual, it pays to be cautious about consuming them or abstaining altogether.

You can learn more about alcohol and drugs on the Alcohol and Drug Foundation website.

Learn to identify the signs of intoxication, which could lead to an overdose. These include:

  • Unsteadiness
  • Impaired judgement
  • Slurred speech
  • Emotional instability
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache
  • Muscle cramps
  • Loss of consciousness

This list is not exhaustive, and there may be many other symptoms of alcohol or drug intoxication or overdose.

This is what you can do to help someone who is intoxicated:

  • Keep them calm and ask them what substances they have consumed.
  • Help them to sip water.
  • If they have injured themselves, clean the wound and cover it with a sterile dressing.
  • If they are able to walk (even with support), take them to the event’s medical facilities for help.

If they are unconscious, place them in the recovery position and call triple zero (000) for help. You should also call triple zero (000) if you are concerned about the casualty’s status or think they may have overdosed.

Party safely this summer

Summer means it’s time to let your hair down…but be sure to take sensible precautions and party safely so you can have as much fun as possible.

Learn some basic first aid so you know what to do if someone needs help, and keep a first aid kit in your tent or vehicle so you can deal with minor injuries or illnesses when you’re at festivals or other events.

Check out the complete range of MediBC first aid kits designed for a variety of settings in our online shop. You’re sure to find kits that are perfect to pack away to give you peace of mind while you’re out having fun this summer.