Whether you’re a promoter, hired service, or a venue, it’s important that you understand the fundamentals of first aid, not only for the sake of your attendees, but for your staff as well. Understanding these rules will also play a major role in preventing penalties for non-compliance, or possible disasters that could ruin your reputation and open you to legal repercussions. Here’s a guide on first aid for event and concert organisers.
Understand what First Aid is
First aid is the first point of medical assistance to someone who may be ill or injured. You should know that anyone can provide first aid, and it is not limited to people with a qualification. However, having people who are trained on the scene is mandatory, and will depend on the size and nature of the event.
The goal of first aid care is to prevent or slow down complications until a first responder arrives, not perform medical procedures. First aid is also about having the provisions necessary for any kind of medical issue, even seemingly minor ones like small cuts or burns.
If you’re a venue owner or event organiser, we would suggest that you have as many people on staff that are trained as possible. Again, this will act as an insurance policy and make sure that you’re compliant at all times. There are many services offering first aid courses for as little as $96 that can be completed in less than 12 hours. This is an investment in your team and could make a great difference in the case there is an incident.
Performing Risk Assessment
There are many things that you’ll have to consider when organising first aid for an event. You have to consider the number of event staff and attendees, if it will be a seated or standing audience, and the environment of the event among other things. You should look at how close you’ll be from a healthcare facility, and if alcohol will be served. This will allow you to prepare for certain risks and situations better and adjust your efforts accordingly.
Work with Providers
Another thing you should do is work with a medical support provider. Having them on call and on the premises will add an additional barrier of protection, and will allow you to treat more severe conditions right on the spot. You should look for a provider that will be able to give you and your team some logistical advice to help you plan for possible events, and some event planning tips as well.
Be Ready for any Situation
Make sure that you have all bases covered and are ready for any situation that may arise. Know how the dedicated first aid responders will be dressed and have them dispersed in many areas. Some will focus on having first aid staff between the stage and stage barrier, but you should also have responders backstage in case a stage hand, performers, or presenters get sick.
You and your first aid team should also have some specific kits ready. You should also be prepared to deal with specific situations, such as drunk or belligerent people. Your medical care provider should brief you on what should be done in these kinds of situations.
Be Ready to Make that Call
In the event that you have to call emergency services, you should know who will be responsible for doing so, and who will be responsible for directing them once they get there. This person will also be responsible for clearing the way for medics. Also, ask the first aid provider you’re working with if they have some sort of relationship with your ambulance service. This could come in handy in case there’s an emergency.
Another thing you should do is make sure that you have designated parking specifically for emergency vehicles. You also have to prevent overflow in case multiple attendees are affected by an incident and you need additional help.
These are just some of the essentials any event organiser should be aware of when staging any event. Make sure to always put the safety and security of attendees first and consider investing in the education of your employees. |
