Guidance for event organisers

This guidance aims to assist event organisers in providing adequate first aid and medical coverage, adhering to best practice and statutory requirements.

When planning an event, the organiser must conduct a risk assessment to determine the medical needs. Based on this assessment, they should consult the following guides to decide on the necessary level of medical cover required:

• The Purple Guide for event cover;
• The Green Guide [www.westminster.gov.uk] for safety at sports grounds.

You may also wish to consult other event guidelines.

Event organisers must ensure a competent medical provider is appointed. To confirm the providers capability, organisers should conduct several key checks and considerations:

1. Public Liability Insurance: Ensure the medical provider, such as Alliance Ambulance Services, has current and valid insurance covering negligence claims and the provision of first aid and medical services. This insurance should cover all personnel providing the medical cover, including all first aiders.
2. Registration of Health Professionals: If the provider employs registered health professionals such as paramedics, nurses, or doctors, they should supply registration numbers for these individuals. This allows the event organiser to verify their registration status. All required professionals, such as those working at Alliance Ambulance Services, should have current, valid UK registration with their relevant bodies. 
3. Ambulance Crew Requirements: When guidance indicates that an ambulance is needed, it should be crewed by at least one registered paramedic. The second crew member should be trained to a suitable standard for operating an emergency ambulance, such as an ambulance technician.
4. On-Site Ambulance Capabilities: Ambulances on-site should be ready and willing to transport patients to a suitable Emergency Department with minimal delay. If ambulance cover is specified in the guidance, it should eliminate the need for 999 calls to the local ambulance service, except in cases of multiple casualties or major incidents.
5. Emergency Transportation: Ambulance providers should be capable of providing emergency transportation to hospitals, including blue light transfers for life-threatening conditions. The provider must demonstrate appropriate insurance and driver competence for this service.

By following these guidelines, event organisers can ensure they provide adequate and effective medical cover for their events.