Summer Festivals and Outdoor Events: Avoid Injuries By Knowing The Risks

#AskMeenaSaini

Outdoor music festivals take centre stage throughout Ontario and other provinces in Canada during the summer and fall. As much as promoters of these events attempt to provide a safe environment for festival goers, incidents and mishaps occur leading to serious physical injuries. Some injuries the result of the individual behaviour of the victim, but a common cause of injury-causing incidents is the negligence of someone other than the victim. When that happens, you could be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.

Dress for changes in the weather

Keep in mind that outdoor festivals mean standing in the sun and being exposed to the heat for most of the day, so check the weather forecast before you head out. Wear a hat and light-coloured clothing designed to wick away perspiration.

If rain is in the forecast, bring something to throw over you to keep you dry. This is very important for festivals that extend into the evening hours when cooler temperatures and wet clothing could lead to hypothermia.

Sunscreen should be applied liberally throughout the day to prevent sunburn. Applying it at the start of the day is not enough to protect you because the protection offered by sunscreen is reduced as you perspire, so reapply it at intervals during the day.

Leave the sandals and flip-flops at home in favor of a comfortable pair of sneakers. Most festivals are staged in fields, so sneakers give you better support and traction particularly if it rains and the ground gets muddy.

Take a moment when you arrive to orient yourself

If there are multiple entrances to the festival, take a moment to make note of where you are in order to be able to find it later when it’s time to leave. Look around for first aid stations and concessions where food and water are available for sale.

When attending with your family or a group, select an easy to find location to meet in the event people get separated. Bring a cellphone and make certain it is fully charged in case you need it to contact other members of your group or to call for police or emergency medical assistance.

Drink plenty of water throughout the event

There can be a temptation to forego drinking water in favor of beer or other alcoholic beverages available to festivals, but this is a mistake. The consumption of beer and other drinks containing alcohol promote dehydration making it difficult for your body to absorb fluids. This results in the production of excessive amounts of urine, which can lead to dehydration.

It is essential that you drink lots of water throughout the day. Sports drinks in addition to plain water can replace electrolytes your body loses through perspiration and urination. You are not getting enough fluids if you begin to experience any of the following signs of dehydration:

• Fatigue
• Light-headed and dizzy
• Rapid heart rate
• Dark urine
• Feeling extremely hot

If you experience signs of dehydration, seek medical assistance at the nearest first aid station or locate a police officer or festival official.

Ontario personal injury lawyers

Festival promotors in Ontario are responsible for the safety of the people attending their events. The personal injury lawyers at Diamond and Diamond have years of experience successfully handling claims for compensation on behalf of individuals injured due to the negligence of others. If you are injured at a festival, you should speak to one of our lawyers. Call the Diamond and Diamond 24/7 injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or visit our website to speak to someone now. We offer free consultations and case evaluations to injury victims throughout Ontario.