Festivals are a place for music lovers to gather, enjoy their favorite artists, and create unforgettable memories. However, with large crowds and high energy, there are also potential dangers, especially when it comes to health and safety. One recent experience at Lost Lands, a popular music festival, has sparked concern about the preparedness of medical teams at these events. Arianna, a festival-goer, shared her experience on Twitter, raising critical questions about the training and effectiveness of medical staff present at festivals.

In her post, Arianna recounted a terrifying situation where someone next to her experienced an overdose and seizures. Despite the emergency, it was Arianna—an attendee, not a medical professional—who knew how to respond to the situation. “Luckily, I knew what to do/how to help,” she explained. However, when the festival’s medical team finally arrived, she noted that they appeared untrained and unsure of how to assist the person in distress.

This scenario raises significant concerns about the level of preparedness that medical teams at large events should have. Festivals, particularly those like Lost Lands, which attract thousands of attendees, often involve environments where risks of medical emergencies—such as drug overdoses, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and injuries—are elevated. It is essential that the medical staff present at these events are well-equipped and properly trained to handle such situations swiftly and effectively.

Arianna’s experience highlights the dangers of undertrained medical personnel in high-stakes environments. Overdoses and seizures require immediate, knowledgeable intervention. The lack of preparedness she witnessed could have resulted in a far worse outcome. In emergency situations, every second counts, and trained professionals are essential in administering the correct care to prevent severe consequences, or even death.

The importance of proper medical training extends beyond knowing basic first aid. Medical teams at festivals should be trained in handling drug-related emergencies, such as recognizing the signs of overdose, administering life-saving treatments like Naloxone (used for opioid overdoses), and responding to seizures. Additionally, they must know how to communicate effectively with event security and other emergency personnel to ensure a coordinated and timely response.

hey @lost_lands can we just talk about how the “medical” team did not have proper training this year? Someone next to me dropped into multiple OD + seizures, luckily I knew what to do/how to help. But When they finally arrived they had no idea what to do or how to help

— Arianna 🧚‍♂️ (@AriannaBSophia) September 23, 2024

For attendees, it’s crucial to feel safe and secure at large events. Knowing that a qualified medical team is ready to assist in an emergency is a key part of that safety. Festivals can be unpredictable environments, and the presence of a skilled and confident medical team can make the difference between a manageable situation and a life-threatening one.

Arianna’s call for better training at Lost Lands is not just a critique, but a constructive reminder for festival organizers everywhere. Ensuring the medical teams are fully trained and prepared can prevent tragedies and ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees.

As festivals continue to be a major part of music culture, it is vital that those responsible for organizing these events prioritize the training and readiness of their medical staff. This investment in safety not only saves lives but also creates a more secure and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

In light of Arianna’s experience, the conversation about festival safety continues. Hopefully, festival organizers take note and work to improve the training and performance of their medical teams, so that future events can be both fun and safe for all.