The Ultimate Guide to festival survival
Kira Bretsky, Staff Writer
Music festivals are an essential element to the music industry as a whole; their diverse selection of performances and styles widen target audiences that, in turn, widen the financial prospects of such major events. But the safety measures taken by organizing institutions and the musicians themselves are not always enough to protect minors, who are often targeted for their vulnerability. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind as popular music festivals like Coachella and Joshua Tree approach.
The Law of Large Numbers
Two is always safer than one and three is always safer than two, especially when it comes to large gatherings. Find friends to stick with and choose people to be “on duty” at certain times. Communication within buddy systems is imperative, because if there is confusion in a group about who should be alert, the effectiveness of a team plummets. Make a game plan ahead of time in a quiet setting to avoid misunderstandings and spend at least 10 minutes working it out, because it is easier to make a clear and functioning plan when you are not distracted.
Most importantly, never split from your group, even if there is a conflict. Teams work the best when they are able to work through problems together. If you and your friend(s) want to go to different performances or events, take time to make thoughtful decisions. An extra five minutes can save a lot of trouble down the road.
Know Your Chemistry
Don’t leave your drink unattended, and never accept an open or already poured drink from a stranger. Telltale signs of a spiked drink are previously floating ice cubes sinking to the bottom, change in taste or color, increased bubbling or a foggy texture. Even if you just get a bad feeling, it’s best to toss the drink and get another. Also be aware of any strange symptoms such as faintness, impaired speech or movement, nausea and vomiting, which indicate you may have been spiked. If you suspect one of your friends has been spiked, stay with them at all times and alert the bartender, bouncer and security guards, the latter of which might test for substances.
If you forget your medications or need to refill a prescription, use an app like HealthDirect to find the nearest pharmacy or general practitioner. If you need to bring medications like diabetic insulin into the festival grounds, they must be clearly marked and turned into on-site medics. Many festivals have tents exclusively for diabetics and people affected by other chronic illnesses.
Take a Lunch Break
Many festivals take place in open locations that experience extreme heat because it is cheaper for organizers to use less desirable land. Consequently, heatstroke and dehydration are common at such events. Stay aware of how you are feeling: if you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated, so it is important to drink water even if you do not think you have to. Dehydration and hypoglycemia often go hand-in-hand too, so proper and frequent nutrition is essential to stay healthy and alert.
If you find yourself feeling sick or confused, it is always necessary to find the nearest first aid tent. Commonly ignored symptoms of hyperthermia include nonsensical speaking, erratic breathing and difficulty walking. If everyone around you is complaining of heat and you feel fine, you are probably not fine.
