MET Medical are delighted to be returning to the Showmans Show this year alongside the launch of the Event Medical Association led by NOEA.

As a highly experienced and regulated ambulance and event medical provider MET Medical are committed to the highest possible standards. One of our key strengths is in our workforce - a large team of qualified full-time employees who are constantly trained, developed and kept up-to-date. This is achieved in our business through our diverse mix of providing both NHS services such as 999 ambulance and private healthcare in all kinds of settings. 

Over the past few years the Care Quality Commission, who regulates NHS and private healthcare services, identified areas of risk due to exemptions that apply for providing medical services within an event site or stadium. The exemptions mean anyone can set up and run a medical service for events without any control, checks or qualifications as long as the care does not leave the event site.

At the same time, we have seen rising pressures on our NHS which has affected everything from getting a doctor’s appointment, to waiting hours for an ambulance, being seen in A&E or getting an operation or cancer treatment. 

As one of the leading regulated providers, MET Medical are delighted to see the development of an association to improve quality and transparency for those procuring first aid and medical services for events. We believe in a level playing field as safety should be the number one priority in the delivery of healthcare services, irrespective of whether they are delivered in the street or inside a showground.

Dave Hawkins, CEO at MET Medical says, “A lot of potential learning came out of the Manchester Arena Bombing inquiry, however, much of that learning is a long way from being implemented. The purple guide remains a guide but has been instrumental in generating questions particularly for large events. We are very much welcoming the much-needed regulation to the event medical sector and continue to work with partners in developing the sector.”

Sadly, the event medical sector has become a haven for those with clinical restrictions, poor employment history, or even safeguarding incidents leading to DBS barring individuals from working with vulnerable people. It has become a common place where workers can escape the usual employment checks required to work in healthcare. It has also been a place where a first aider can offer ‘ambulances’ with ‘medics’ that don’t have a defined standard of equipment, training, or medication or might not be licenced to transport patients to hospital. What might look like the perfect event medical cover might not be as it seems. 

Whilst we have heard about a divide set against small medical providers who cannot afford to be compliant, we are excited for a levelling of the playing field and feel strongly that there should be no barriers to keeping people safe and free from harm.

As a longstanding NOEA member and an experienced healthcare provider, MET Medical looks forward to seeing improvements in regulation and are fully committed to being a key stakeholder of the Event Medical Association, supporting the development of safe and effective health and medical services being delivered at events of every size. 

As we continue to grow our portfolio of both small and large events we look forward to the show and supporting event organisers with their medical and first aid provision whether they are planning a small community event or a major music festival. 

MET Medical also provides first aid training which is event industry-specific and ideal for event production staff working during build or break and we supply first aid supplies shipped from our own warehouse to support low-risk operations.

Visit us on Stand 164 on Avenue C in the outdoor space. Our events team will be happy to discuss upcoming events and how we work with event organisers to keep your people, your licence and the public safe.

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