Music Festival Season Arrives: A Guide to Staying Safe and Healthy
Music festival season is officially here, bringing with it the promise of outdoor fun, live tunes, dancing, and the chance to connect with fellow music lovers. "Live music nourishes your soul and makes you feel truly alive," says Chris Bro, host of the "Next" radio show in Maryland and a longtime festival enthusiast. However, to fully enjoy the experience, planning ahead for potential hazards like heat, dehydration, and other risks is crucial, according to regular festivalgoers and medical professionals.
Increased Safety Measures at Modern Festivals
The good news is that music festivals are safer than ever, thanks to a greater focus on on-site medical staff and equipment. Matt Friedman, national medical director at CrowdRx, which provides medical care at over 20 major festivals annually, notes this improvement. "Different festivals have different risks," Friedman explains. "Much depends on the music genre, festival duration, and weather conditions."
For instance, jazz festivals typically see lower medical usage rates, while heavy metal events may experience more blunt traumas from mosh pits and alcohol-related incidents. Electronic dance music festivals often have friendly crowds, but some attendees "occasionally overindulge or make poor decisions regarding stimulant drugs." Classical music festivals, with an older average attendee age, tend to report more cardiac events.
Essential Pre-Festival Preparation
Armelle Gloaguen, a musician who has attended iconic festivals like Clearwater and Woodstock '94, advises: "Be there for the music, not the drugs and alcohol, if you want to remember any of it. Don't accept food or drinks from strangers, and be aware of your limits." Gloaguen, who runs "Armelle for Kids," emphasises staying aware while having fun.
Before heading out, check the festival's specific rules, as they vary widely. For example, Coachella in Indio, California, prohibits chairs, outside food, and umbrellas, while Tanglewood in Massachusetts allows chairs, picnics, and umbrellas under 6 feet across. Download the festival's app and bring a portable phone charger. Upon arrival, scope out the terrain, locating cooling stations and medical tents for safety.
Handling Heat and Hydration
Heat-related illnesses are a primary concern, especially at desert festivals where temperatures soar quickly. Julie Puzzo, assistant medical director at JFK Memorial Hospital near Coachella, warns: "We see everything from heat cramps to heat stroke, which can be life-threatening." To combat this, hydrate consistently with electrolyte beverages, wear layers and a hat, and avoid excessive alcohol. Use non-aerosol sunscreen, as many venues ban aerosol sprays.
Friedman adds that some festivals provide mobile cold-water immersion tanks for rapid cooling. At multi-day events, malnutrition can become an issue as attendees run on adrenaline initially, then face dehydration and exhaustion. His top tip: stick with friends to watch out for each other.
Footwear and Injury Prevention
Both doctors urge wearing comfortable, closed-toe shoes, as festivals involve more walking than expected and ground hazards like small stones. "Trips and falls are common, and we see a lot of sprains and foot contusions," says Friedman. Leave sandals, heels, and flip-flops at home to reduce injury risks.
Protecting Your Health: Ears, Eyes, and Respiratory Issues
For those with respiratory problems, bring a backup inhaler, as dust-filled wind gusts can exacerbate breathing issues, Puzzo advises. Eye problems like corneal abrasions are not uncommon; Friedman recommends large sunglasses or goggles in dusty conditions. Outdoor venues can be buggy, so consider insect repellent.
Protect your hearing by avoiding proximity to speakers and using earplugs, says Greta Stamper, an audiologist at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. "Take listening pauses during festivals to allow your ears to recover. Having quieter moments during the day helps," she notes. If hearing becomes muffled or ears ring, it's a sign of excessive noise. For children, use over-the-ear headphones instead of just earplugs.
Pacing Yourself and Avoiding Risks
"Musical festivals are a marathon, not a sprint, so be sensible and take care of yourself," Friedman emphasises. It's easy to overindulge in alcohol as the day progresses. Puzzo warns that drugs acquired at events might not contain expected substances, posing dangers, especially when combined with heat and alcohol.
Embracing the Festival Experience
Amid safety concerns, don't forget to find joy in the music and community. Enjoy unexpected moments and make connections. Gloaguen suggests: "If you want to talk to your favourite musician, thank them and discuss a specific song you love and why." By planning ahead and staying aware, you can ensure a memorable and healthy festival season.
