The festival season, with its vibrant blend of music, food, culture, and camaraderie, is a highlight for many each year. But amidst the excitement, it's crucial to remember the importance of staying safe and maintaining your health. At MET Medical, as event medical and ambulance service specialists, we’ve been on hand at numerous festivals to ensure attendee safety. In fact some weekend this year we will be looking after a whopping 250,000 people. Drawing from our paramedics and medical team's collective expertise, we've put together our top 10 health-focused tips for festival-goers.

1. Stay Hydrated: Amidst the dancing, singing, and revelry, dehydration can sneak up on you. Always carry a reusable water bottle and refill it regularly. Hydration helps maintain your energy levels and prevent heat-related illnesses that could require medical attention or an ambulance. Lots of events are cutting out disposable plastic and refillable bottles can be topped up with free water.

2. Protect Your Skin: Exposure to the sun is almost inevitable at any outdoor event. Always apply a high SPF sunscreen before you head out and remember to reapply every 2-3 hours. Hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved clothing can provide additional protection against harmful UV rays. If you need extra sun cream search for a festival shop or visit Welfare.

3. Food Safety: Festival food can be a culinary adventure, but it also comes with a risk. Choose food vendors wisely to avoid food poisoning. Look for places that maintain good hygiene practices and properly cook their food.

4. Medication Preparedness: If you're on regular medication, ensure you bring a sufficient supply and keep it secure. For those with severe allergies, having an EpiPen on hand is crucial. You might need to bring a prescription or the original packaging, a handful of pills in your pocket is not a good look.

5. Sound Safety: Loud music is a festival staple, but it can lead to hearing damage. Wear earplugs to protect your ears, especially when you're close to speakers.

6. Sensible Alcohol Consumption: While enjoying a drink or two is part of the festival fun, moderation is key. Excessive drinking can lead to a host of issues, from dehydration to requiring medical or paramedic assistance. Know your limits and remember to alternate alcoholic drinks with water.

7. First Aid Knowledge: Knowing basic first aid can be lifesaving in an emergency situation before professional help arrives. Consider a quick course before the festival season begins.

8. Buddy System: Always let someone know where you are. Whether it's a friend, family member, or even a new acquaintance, having a buddy system in place can be vital if you need medical help or become lost in the crowd.

9. Respect Boundaries: Every festival-goer deserves to enjoy the event without fear or discomfort. Respect personal boundaries and understand consent. If you notice someone in distress, contact festival security or paramedics.

10. Know the Layout: Familiarise yourself with the festival layout, especially the location of medical and ambulance/paramedic tents, toilets, and water stations. In an emergency, time can be of the essence, and knowing where to go can be incredibly beneficial.

As festival-goers, we have a responsibility to look out for our health and the well-being of those around us. By keeping these tips in mind, we can ensure that our festival experiences are filled with joy, music, and fantastic memories, rather than avoidable health concerns. Always remember, if you feel unwell or witness someone needing assistance, do not hesitate to seek help from the event medical teams or paramedics.

At MET Medical, our priority is your safety. Our professional doctor, paramedic and ambulance teams are on hand at various events, including festivals, to you offer medical assistance and support if you need it. We’re dedicated to ensuring you can enjoy your favourite events worry-free. Stay safe, stay healthy, and keep the festival spirit alive!