ConFest Medical Survival guide info:
First Aid and medical emergencies:
Basic first aid is everyone’s responsibility. Help yourself if you can and help others if they can’t. Know your own limitations and if you don’t know what you are doing ask for help.
The first aid tent operates from approximately 9am until 11pm - Summer ConFest and 9am until 9pm Easter confest. There is a radio at the first aid tent and the Market to contact the medical response team (MRT) for all emergencies 24 hours a day.
The MRT team consists of qualified health care professionals and is equipped to respond to any emergency and organise transport to hospital if required. The team carries emergency supplies, resusitation equipment and limited emergency drugs. We are happy to provide advice on managing any medical/first aid matter.
How to find us? Look for the 2 white flags with red crosses.
Volunteering:
All medical staff are volunteers. The first aid tent is supervised by lead medics who have current first aid qualifications with assistance from doctors and nurses. If you have current first aid or medical qualifications please talk to one of our staff as we are always happy to welcome new team members. We also need 2 ConFesters to assist in 2 hour blocks during opertaing hours, so consider volunteering your 2 hours at first aid. No experience needed common sense helpful. contact (firstaid (at) confest.org.au)
What to Bring:
Bring all your own medical and basic first aid supplies. If you take regular medications bring more than enough for the gathering, if you use an inhaler bring a spare! Yes we can treat an asthma attack but no we won’t provide you with a new puffer if you run out.
Be aware that the nearest chemist is a substantial drive and will likely be closed for much of the gathering. If you don’t have a concession card or health insurance we would suggest obtaining ambulance membership as the costs of these services can be substantial especially in a rural setting and will be the responsibility of the individual, should the need arise.
Basic first aid supplies to consider bringing:
Panadol/Nurofen
Bandaids (packet of various size/shape)
Crepe bandages x2 (15cm for snakebite kit)
Absorbent dressing x2 (sanitary pads work well for this)
Sunscreen/ Insect repellent
Savlon ointment (or similar)
Savlon/Detol or similar (small bottle)
Fine tweezers & small scissors
Sanitary products
Condoms/Lubricant
Antihistamine if you react to insect bites/dust/smoke etc
All of your medications/inhalers
Anything you think you might need
Common minor medical problems experienced at the gathering:
Insect bites and sun/wind burn, chapped lips
Cuts, scratches, prickles
Sprains and strains
Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea
UTI’s, Thrush
Menstural pain, headaches, hangovers
Burns
Please refer all but very small superficial burns to the first aid tent or medical response team outside first aid tent operating hours.
Burns first aid:
Immerse burns in cool water (Not ice) for 20 minutes
Call or send for help (Radio or first aid tent)
Cover with a wet clean cloth after 20 min
NO Creams, Oils or Ointments are to be put on burns
Snakes
There is an increased number of snake sightings this year.
Snake bite first aid is simple:
Keep the person still and calm
Call or send for help (Radio or first aid tent)
DON’T – wash, suck, cut the wound, just mark its position if you can.
Bandage the site firmly and splint the limb
Stay where you are and wait for the Medical response team to come to you.
Snake bite kit is simply 2 x 15cm crepe bandages for adults or (or smaller if you have them for kids)
Do not buy snakebite kits as seen on ebay etc that have suckers, these do not work and may cause more harm.
Service animals
Service animals are the only pets permitted at Confest. If you are bringing a service animal please inform us prior to the festival via email to directors (at) DTE.org.au. Once you arrive at Confest please make yourself known to the medical staff at the first aid tent so that we are aware of you and are prepared to look after you should you be unable to tell us. Your medical information will be kept in strict confidence.
Medical Conditions
If you suffer from chronic or serious medical conditions please make yourself known to the medical staff at the first aid tent so that we are aware of you and are prepared to look after you should you be unable to tell us. Your medical information will be kept in strictest confidence.
For all medical or first aid advice please ask our friendly volunteers at the first aid tent.