Festival Crowd Safety: How to Survive a Crowd Crush or Surge

National World - National Videos

We're not ones to scaremonger, but with the amount of people attending one of the many festivals or concerts taking place this year, it's better to be vigilant than not.   Here's our advice for what to do and how to plan in the event there's a sudden crowd crush or surge at the concert or event you are at, including 'The Accordion Method.'

Transcript

00:00Summer festival season is here, well underway if we're going to be honest with each other,

00:06and we all love the energy of the crowd dancing, maybe not so much moshing in my old age,

00:11and seeing our favourite bands front and centre.

00:15But with huge crowds at events like Leeds and Reading or Transmet or even those big reunion shows,

00:21you know the ones I'm talking about,

00:23there is a serious risk that many newer fans might not know about crowd crushers.

00:28It can go from fun to frightening in an instant.

00:33Now a crowd crush isn't just people tripping over,

00:36it's a dense mass of bodies that becomes so tightly packed,

00:40usually six to seven people per square metre,

00:43and that pressure builds, making it impossible to breathe.

00:48Individuals lose control, the waves of force ripple through,

00:52and it becomes incredibly dangerous.

00:55I mean, I've been in two myself and thankfully walked away from them.

00:59Coincidentally, both system of the down sets I was at.

01:03One moment it's lucid, and the next it is every person for themselves.

01:07It doesn't have to be, but sometimes it does feel that way.

01:12So what do you do if you feel overwhelmed or you get caught in a crowd crush?

01:17Well, here's what you need to know.

01:19Now, as soon as you arrive at the festival site,

01:23or if you're taken in an arena or a stadium show,

01:26spot all of your exits.

01:28Know all of your exits,

01:30and not just the one that you came through to enter.

01:34A less crowded escape route can be a lifesaver if,

01:38and it's a big if,

01:39I don't want to scare monger anyone here,

01:41something were to happen.

01:42Now, if you feel yourself falling,

01:46try and get up immediately.

01:47But if you can't,

01:49protect your head and keep your arms up.

01:51You know, like a boxer in front of your chest.

01:53That's going to create some vital breathing space.

01:57And above all else,

01:58panic spreads fast,

02:00so stay calm.

02:01Don't fight the flow.

02:03Instead, move with the crowd.

02:05Try and angle diagonally towards one of those exits

02:08that we mentioned to begin with.

02:10And shouting over music will not work.

02:13Use hand signals or eye contact for help.

02:16And of course,

02:17it is crowd and pit etiquette.

02:20You see someone fall over,

02:22pick them up.

02:23Just, just please pick them up.

02:25Now, in a worst case scenario,

02:27if you are stuck in the crowd surges forwards,

02:30you could use something called the accordion method.

02:34Now, use the brief lull that follows

02:36to shift diagonally into any small gaps.

02:39And again,

02:41hands up by your chest,

02:43allow that room.

02:44Keep repeating this,

02:45side-stepping towards the edges

02:47to find that exit

02:48that, yet again,

02:50I hate to sound like a broken record,

02:52you identified

02:53when we mentioned it to begin with.

02:55And just trust your instincts, okay?

02:58If it feels too crowded,

02:59if you feel unsure,

03:01if you're just not feeling comfortable,

03:04don't be a hero.

03:05Step away.

03:06Head to the sides

03:07or watch on the big screens.

03:09It's better to miss a song

03:10or a couple of songs from a set

03:12than it is to risk your safety.

03:14I'm sure we can all agree on that.

03:17And again,

03:17it goes without saying,

03:18it's a big if.

03:20Security at these festivals

03:21and at indoor shows

03:23has been incredible

03:24over the last number of years.

03:27And a lot of other people

03:28might be feeling

03:29exactly the same way as you.

03:31So,

03:31have a chat with those festival goers

03:33if you feel uncomfortable.

03:35Maybe they'll put your mind at ease.

03:36But more importantly,

03:38be aware,

03:39be prepared,

03:39and look out for one another.

03:41Your safety is more important

03:43than any music festival

03:45or any set.

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