There are medical facilities all round the site and these include a hospital with a casualty unit, two minor injury units and first aid facilities at I Market and the Dance Village. There are two pharmacies – at Ivy Mead Medical Centre and in I Market, near the Meeting Point.
Latest information on swine flu
The NHS in Somerset is advising all individuals attending festivals to be mindful of any ‘flu symptoms that they may be suffering to minimise the risk of the spread of swine flu. The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, joint pains, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu have also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
If you have had any of these symptoms and have had contact with a confirmed case of swine flu in the 7 days before the festival please contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for advice before attending. Further information on swine flu can be obtained from the Health Protection Agency or from NHS Direct.
Festival Medical Services have been looking after Festival goers for some 25 years. Most problems can be dealt with on site and very few people have to go off to hospital for treatment. FMS provides a comprehensive medical and first aid service at the Festival which includes:
- Emergency Department
- X-ray facility
- Doctor & Nurse Consultations
- Physiotherapy
- Podiatry
- Emergency Dental Services
- Psychiatric and Substance Misuse Service
- Dispensing Pharmacy
- Doctor & Nurse Consultations
- Treatment of minor illnesses and injuries
I Market First Aid (near Meeting Point) and Dance Village First Aid
Stages There are specialist medical teams in front of the two main stages during performances.
Paramedic Rapid Response
Site Ambulances
Pharmacies provide advice and guidance as well as the usual retail pharmacy consumables. The one at Ivy Mead is able to dispense prescriptions. The I Market pharmacy near the Meeting Point is a retail unit and is not part of FMS.
FMS works closely with South Western Ambulance Service, whose primary responsibility is to deal with incidents outside the Festival site.
NHS Direct can offer telephone advice on many common ailments and advise if you need to see a doctor. Telephone 0845 46 47 any time of the day or night. The NHS also has a dedicated website for festival-goers at http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Festivalhealth/Pages/Festivalhealthhome.aspx.
How to get help in an emergency:
If you need medical or first aid attention, make your way, if you can, to one of the three medical units: Ivy mead, Greenfield or Park Home.
In an emergency, approach a Festival steward, Festival Information, a Markets Office, a security person, or a police officer, any of whom will be able to summon assistance.
Only dial 999 from a mobile phone as a last resort – this may not be the most effective means of getting help on the Festival site.
Don't try to make your way off site to hospital – this may result in very long and possibly dangerous delays in getting treatment.
Staying safe and well
You can reduce the risk of injury and ill health by following this simple advice:
Alcohol
Drink in moderation. Hangover headaches usually respond if you drink plenty of water.
Burns
Camping gas accidents are the most common cause of serious burns. Never change these canister in or near a tent and make sure the canister is threaded properly before lighting. Beware of wax flares and candles. Only buy from sellers authorised by the Festival. Every year some irresponsible people sell unapproved flares and candles which cause nasty, sight-threatening eye injuries - so if you are uncertain they are legit, don't buy! The Fire Service have tested the flares sold by approved vendors.
Crowds
Can be dangerous places for small children. Body surfing may look like fun, but would you like to be dropped and trampled? Don't put yourself at unnecessary risk.
Drugs
Stay safe, don't take drugs. FMS does not prescribe or dispense Controlled Drugs and makes no exceptions.
Hearing damage
If you spend too long in front of the loudspeakers you could damage your hearing. Colourful earplugs, to protect your ears, are available from the Royal National Institute for the Deaf stall next to the Pyramid.
Medicines and medication
Bring some over-the-counter remedies for headache, tooth ache, minor cuts, burns or bruises and sunburn. Ask your local pharmacist for advice. If you suffer from hay fever, remember to bring enough nasal spray, eye drops or antihistamine tablets to last through the Festival. Remember to bring any regular medications you might need. FMS can look after your medication if it needs to be kept in the fridge. If you do forget anything tell FMS. They can usually obtain further supplies.
Practice Safe Sex
If you have sex without a condom you risk catching diseases such as gonorrhoea, syphilis or chlamydia or getting pregnant. Emergency Contraception and sexual health advice and screening are available from the on-site Festival Medical Services.
Stomach bugs
Reduce your risk of picking up or spreading the germs that cause sickness and diarrhoea by washing your hands before you eat and after you go to the loo. If cooking take care. Make sure food is cooked properly, especially meat / hamburgers. Wash your hands if you have been handling rubbish.
Upset or depressed
If you are having emotional problems and want to talk to someone, the Samaritans will have tents on the Festival site – identifiable by their large green banners. There are also two main welfare facilities on site; Wagonshed Welfare next to the farmhouse and Green Welfare in the Greenfields - they offer experienced, caring, and confidential help for all kinds of practical and personal problems as we as dealing with lost and found property.
Water
Drink plenty of it! In hot weather or when you are very active you can dehydrate quickly. Safe drinking water is available from standpipes around the Festival site and many of the stalls will be selling bottled water.
Weather
Be prepared for almost any weather. Bring sun protection, warm clothes and wet weather gear – and a spare pair of shoes!
Please note: Although FMS have a fleet of stretcher and walking wounded ambulances operating on site, please don’t call an ambulance unless you really need one. This is to make sure that these specialist resources are always available to those in genuine need. If you are in any doubt call Festival Medical Services and ask advice.
NHS Direct Tel: 0845 46 47 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
www.AlcoholWrecked.co.uk
Somerset Turning Point: Tel: 01823 288174
Men's Advice Line (Domestic violence): 020 8644 9914
Victim Support: 0845 303 0900
Women's Ante Natal Helpline: 0345 023468
www.trashed.co.uk
National Drugs Helpline: 0800 776600
Somerset Turning Point: 01823 288174
www.foodlink.org.uk
Eating Disorders Helpline: 01603 619090
www.ruthinking.co.uk
Somerset Contraceptive and Sexual Health Service: 01823 331121
Somerset Lesbian and Gay Helpline: 01823 327078
www.givingupsmoking.co.uk
NHS Smoking Helpline: 0800 1690 169
Somerset Smoking Advice Service: 01823 323808