Events, festivals and community activities bring people together, but they also introduce temporary and often unpredictable risks. First aid provision that is suitable for a normal workplace may not be appropriate for a one-day event, outdoor gathering or community activity.
This guide explains how first aid provision should be planned for events, festivals and community activities in the UK, using risk-based principles and recognised guidance.
It is written as a reference for organisers, charities, schools, councils, volunteer groups and anyone responsible for planning public or community events.
There is no single “events first aid law” in the UK. Instead, first aid duties arise from general health and safety responsibilities.
Anyone organising an event has a duty to take reasonable steps to protect people who may be affected. This includes:
First aid provision should be appropriate to the risks present at the event, not based on a fixed checklist. The legal framework is explained in UK First Aid Law Explained.
Events differ from permanent workplaces because they are temporary and often involve changing conditions.
Common factors that affect first aid needs include:
These factors should be considered together when planning first aid provision.
A risk assessment is the foundation of first aid planning for any event.
The assessment should consider:
Guidance on assessing risk is covered in Workplace First Aid Risk Assessment (UK), which can be adapted for event planning.
Events often rely on a mix of paid staff and volunteers.
Clear first aid roles help ensure a coordinated response. This may include:
Role definitions and limits are explained in Who Can Provide First Aid in the UK?.
Not all events present the same level of risk.
Examples include:
Provision should scale with risk rather than event size alone.
| Event type | Typical risk level | First aid considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Small indoor community event | Low | Basic kit, clear emergency contacts |
| Outdoor fair or festival | Medium | Multiple kits, visible signage, weather risks |
| Sporting or physical event | Medium to high | Trained first aiders, rapid access to care |
| Large public event | High | Dedicated first aid points, coordination with emergency services |
First aid equipment for events should be:
For outdoor or mobile events, portability and weather protection are important considerations.
Event organisers should ensure everyone involved knows how to respond in an emergency.
This may include:
Clear planning reduces delays and confusion during incidents.
After an event, it is good practice to review first aid arrangements.
This helps organisers:
Guidance on recording incidents is covered in Accident Reporting & First Aid Records (UK).
Clear, proportionate planning helps events run safely and responsibly.
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