The festival-goers guide to safety
(or How Not To Miss Your Favourite Bands at T in the Park)
Once again St. Andrew’s First Aid volunteers are gearing up for T in the Park, Scotland’s biggest outdoor festival. St Andrew’s has been a regular at T in the Park since the first event in 1994 and last year the volunteer First Aiders dealt with no less than 2,200 First Aid incidents ranging from cuts and stings to sunburn and dehydration.
To make certain that illness or an accident doesn’t ruin your weekend St. Andrew’s recommends following a few guidelines which will help make T in the Park a safer event for all.
St Andrew’s First Aid Festival Top Tips
Gary Rae, Duty Officer at this year’s T in the Park says:
“Go along and enjoy yourself and follow the tips below but if something does happen to you or your friends remember that St Andrew’s First Aiders are there to assist you. There will be First Aid posts all around the arena which are all well sign posted.
However, to ensure that you do not end up at a First Aid post while your favourite band is playing, just follow these common sense tips:
• Tip 1: If you take any prescribed drugs for a medical condition such as asthma, eczema, hay fever, diabetes etc, make sure you have an adequate supply with you in case of emergencies.
• Tip 2: Don't skip breakfast. Make time to eat at regular intervals throughout the day as not eating might make you feel weak and tired.
• Tip 3: Be prepared for good and bad weather this weekend. Typical Scottish weather can bring four seasons in one day so shed layers if you feel too hot and put them back on if it turns cold. Temperatures can drop considerably in the evening.
• Tip 4: The most common injuries are caused by shoes, for example blisters and sprained ankles, so leave the flip-flops and strappy sandals at home.
• Tip 5: If the weather forecast is hot and sunny remember to apply plenty of sunscreen. Bring a hat and something to cover your arms and legs if the sun gets too strong.
• Tip 6: If it is a hot day you will need to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. If your fluids are alcoholic they will dehydrate your body. If it is cold or raining hot drinks will keep you warm.
• Tip 7: Being in the open air will expose you to midges. If a bee or wasp stings you, make your way to one of the First Aid posts or look out for one of our volunteers on foot patrol.
• Tip 8: Agree a central meeting point with your friends in case you get split up. Often, people who have been taken to a First Aid post cannot locate their friends once they have been patched up. Don’t be one of them!
• Tip 9 : Please remember that the First Aiders do an important job and are there to help you. They may need to get a casualty to a First Aid post in a hurry so please help out where you can and allow them to do this unhindered.
• Tip 10: Have a fun and safe time at T in the Park and hopefully our paths will not cross!