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Gatherings of large crowds at events in the country are familiar. The love of music festivals, night food markets, and community events create unforgettable memories; however, alcohol, crowds, and unpredictable weather can increase the likelihood of risks. Read on to discover ways to ensure safety at events and festivals as an organiser or attendee.

How Organisers Can Create a Safe Experience

1. Conduct a Detailed Risk Assessment

If you are organising an event, you should identify potential hazards before getting a permit or setting up the stage and effective ways to minimise them. Consider common risks such as fires, electrical hazards, overcrowding, medical emergencies, violent outbreaks and extreme weather changes. Hiring a professional risk assessor can provide a detailed evaluation of the site layout and emergency access and exit points to anticipate emergencies related to anticipated attendance.

2. Employ Trained Security and Crowd Management Personnel

Hiring a few security personnel might not be enough if you are planning an event with bigger crowds. You should consider a well-trained security team that understands rapid emergency response protocol. Crowd management should be a priority to minimise the risk of unforeseen circumstances.

3. Ensure Medical Readiness and Emergency Infrastructure

Accidents can happen quickly in crowded or high-energy environments. Trained paramedics or first aid responders can respond immediately to incidents, whether a twisted ankle, dehydration, or something more life-threatening like an allergic reaction or heatstroke. Ensure your team has knowledge and easy access to defibrillators, first aid kits, stretchers, emergency contact numbers for local hospitals, and the FREE-to-use iER App.

4. Design the Venue with Safety in Mind

Safety should be part of the entire experience, from when guests arrive until the last person leaves. Secure fencing can help manage crowd flow and prevent unauthorised entry, especially if your event happens at night. Additions like lighting rigs and signage across the venue help minimise accidents and discourage contact crimes.

5. Legal Compliance and Coordination with Authorities

Your event shouldn’t proceed without proper permits from local municipalities and with the help of SAPS, medical services, and emergency response apps like the FREE-to-use iER App. Depending on your event type, you may need noise, food handling, liquor sales, or temporary structure licences. As an organiser, you should also familiarise yourself with regulations which outline compliance considerations for public gatherings to avoid penalties and preventable severe injuries.

How to Stay Safe and Enjoy the Experience When Attending Events

1. Know the Layout and Emergency Points

As soon as you arrive at an event, take a few minutes to locate the exits, bathrooms, food stalls, and first aid stations. Knowing where to go can be lifesaving when faced with an emergency, particularly if cellphone signals drop due to overcrowding or power outages. Ensure you download the FREE-to-use iER App before you leave home to immediately access over 18,000 medical and non-medical emergency responders nationwide when your data is enabled.

2. Be Emergency-Ready

Storing emergency contacts or downloading apps such as the FREE-to-use iER App before attending an event ensures you can quickly reach emergency responders when needed. Visible medical information, like an ID or medic-alert bracelet if you have a chronic condition, can improve how accurately and swiftly responders act when you are in a crisis. Other simple yet proactive steps to prevent panic and improve your chances of survival include carrying a fully charged phone and a backup power bank to stay connected in crowded areas where signal strength may drain your battery faster.

3. Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Long hours, heat, and excitement can take a toll on your body. Dehydration and low blood sugar are among festivals’ most common medical issues. Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re consuming alcohol. Pack snacks or budget for healthy food options available on-site to stabilise your energy levels.

4. Safeguard Your Belongings

Large gatherings attract opportunists. Leave expensive items at home and only carry what you need. Invest in a secure, zip lock bag you can wear in front of your body or under your clothing and consider protecting your bank cards from digital theft. You should never leave your drink unattended; spiking can happen even in controlled environments.

5. Stick With Friends and Use Buddy Systems

Make plans to arrive and leave together. Agree on a meeting point in case someone gets lost, especially if phone networks are down. Use location-sharing apps to track each other and stay in touch throughout the event. If you’re attending the event alone, let someone at home know where you’re going and when you expect to return and share your live location the entire time.

Festivals and events are designed to bring joy, connection, and celebration, but that doesn’t mean safety concerns won’t arise. If you’re an organiser, create a secure, compliant environment, and remain alert and prepared for the worst-case scenario if you’re an attendee. The FREE-to-use iER App is a leading emergency response app that is your safety companion when attending events, ensuring immediate access to nationwide medical and non-medical responders 24/7.