Tuesday 5th August 2014 – 11.15am – Jamie Arrowsmith.
For many, there is something quite special about attending a festival, as where else can you experience live outdoor music, big crowds and a party atmosphere across the course of a weekend?
This summer’s festival season is in full swing and with thousands of people descending on various events; West Midlands Ambulance Service is urging people to remember some basic safety advice in order to stay out of trouble and enjoy the music on offer.
At last year’s V-Festival alone, almost 1,400 people were treated by on-site medical staff with on-site ambulance crews being called out 279 times and 30 people needing to be taken to hospital.
Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, Steve Wheaton, explained there are a number of key items you should take with you to help you stay out of the medical tents, saying: “It’s summer time again, which means that it’s festival season and if you follow our advice we hope you’ll have a safe festival and enjoy the bands you’re looking forward to seeing, rather than spending your time in the medical centre with us.
Video: Steve Wheaton
“Weather conditions can be extremely changeable with bright sunshine one minute and flash flooding the next, so please prepare for all eventualities, as whether suffering from sunburn or hypothermia, the likelihood is you are going to end up needing medical attention.
“Please make sure you take plenty of food and water with you and if you are on medication take enough for the duration of your stay.
“We want you to have a good time at the festival, they’re great places to be, but please look after yourself and help us to help you.”
Ends.
Nots to Editors:
If using either the photo of the medical tent, or any of the video footage, please credit to West Midlands Ambulance Service.