How To Avoid Common Music Festival Injuries This Summer
Summer is here, which means that music festival season will soon be in full swing. From Coachella to Lollapalooza, to Hangout Festival right here in Alabama, music festivals are a great time to see a ton of your favorite artists all in one place. But, for every glitter-smeared happy Instagram picture, there is an equally dark moment at music festivals. Concerts can be dangerous, especially ones that go on for hours in the sweltering heat. Many festivalgoers will often ignore the warning signs from their bodies, so as not to lose out on the chance of seeing their favorite musical artist. Additionally, the combination of heat, dehydration, and alcohol can leave many festival-goers heading to the hospital, instead of to their favorite musician’s set. Let’s talk about how to avoid common music festival injuries this summer.
Stay Away From Crushing Crowds
While it can be difficult to predict which crowds may turn into churning masses of crushing bodies, there are some warning signs. In response to the 2021 Astroworld tragedy, in which a crushing crowd left ten dead, professionals put out guidance to avoid a potentially fatal crowd crush.
Most importantly, it is important to avoid extreme density; if there is someone touching each of your shoulders, the crowd is too dense. Additionally, NPR recommends keeping space around your chest, as most crowd crush deaths are caused by the lungs being unable to expand. It’s also recommended to keep backpacks away from your feet to avoid tripping and avoid standing near solid objects like barricades and walls. It is always better to be safe than sorry, so stay near the back of the crowd, you will have a good view regardless.
Pack Extra Water
Many festivals do their best to provide adequate water, but it is best not to rely on them in case the festival runs out. Treat a festival like a long day of exercise, as you will be walking, dancing, and moving for the majority of the day in the heat. Professionals recommend rehydrating with 34 ounces of water per hour of exercise. While this may seem extreme it is better to avoid this common festival injury and pack sufficient water as the load will lighten the more you drink.
Avoid “Festival Candy”
Many people use festivals as their first time, or one of the few times a year, to do festival drugs like molly. This is incredibly dangerous when combined with the heat, and the recent rise in drugs being cut with fentanyl. Even though you may trust the person it is coming from, avoid taking drugs at festivals as a bad trip could put you in the hospital or worse.
Watch For Inclement Weather
The Summertime festival season is often privy to beautiful weather, but occasionally things can go south. Several festivals have been victim to high winds causing rigging and stages to collapse. Most notably at the 2011 Indiana State fair, high winds caused the stage to collapse resulting in 7 deaths and 45 injuries. Additionally, rain often does not play well with the lighting equipment and electrical cords all around music festivals. Before leaving for the festival, check the weather forecast as well as the radar to watch for dangerous weather, and avoid the festival at all costs if the weather looks like it is going to turn bad.
Don’t Drink And Drive
Festivals are a great place to have some drinks and watch your favorite bands perform, but they often lead to drunken festivalgoers getting into their cars at the end of the night. If you are going to drink at a festival have a plan in place. Many festivals offer affordable lodging nearby or discounted rideshare rates. Never drive drunk, whether it be home from a festival or just a regular night out. If you suspect the person driving you home has been drinking, take their keys and order a rideshare.
If you have suffered an injury at a festival, it may not be your fault. A top-notch injury attorney can help you hold the festival accountable and get retribution for any injury you may suffer this festival season. Tim Fleming is that attorney. For over 30 years he has been helping right the wrongs of personal injury in Mobile Alabama. Call or contact Tim Fleming today to get justice on your side.