With the jaw dropping statistic of 98.4% of Australian music festival attendees using illicit drugs at festivals, the health and safety of patrons is a massive concern to all involved. Not only are festivites putting themselves at risk but with the Duty of Care obligations of today they are also jeopardizing the organisers, shareholders, sponsors and the brands associated with the event.

“ 98.4% of Australian music festival attendees using illicit drugs ”

— National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW, Australia

In a groundbreaking move festival-goers could soon be given a “smart” wristband that’s able to detect if a wearer is having a serious medical episode such as a drug overdose. Should the data indicate a wearer appears to be having a “medical episode”, the associated software would send an alert to on-site medics while also pinpointing the location of the patron requiring first aid, this would result in not only reducing the response time in an emergency but most importantly it could possibly save a life in a situation where time can be critical.

Gardian Technologies, have developed a wristband that is able to detect a higher than normal temperature, oxygen levels, unusual heartbeat and whether someone is standing or facedown on the ground, with all the information fed to a central control system that is able to be monitored and then respond in a quick and efficient manner, something that was just simply not possible before.

Medical Vitals tracked by Gardian Wrist Bands

The development of the wrist band comes after the deaths of six young people between December 2017 and January 2019 who died during or just after attending music festivals in NSW, as a result of taking MDMA or ecstasy. Five of the six also had other drugs in their system. The Guardian EMS may have made the difference to these six young people and their families.

Event organisers have implemented harm reduction strategies such as water stations, messaging, shade, and peer support to reduce the impact of drug related harm, the 98.4% statistic demonstrates this is part of the culture of festivals and this isn’t going to change anytime soon so a smart and pro active approach is needed, that is what the Gardian wristband provides.

The Covid pandemic has added a further health challenge to organisers of these events, but the developers are on top of this issue as well with the wristband also able to issue proximity warnings if patrons are standing too close and reminders about mask-wearing. Contact tracing and sign in registration is also a feature built into the technology, covering all your Covid responsibilities and needs as required by the government mandates.

The Eventlife mobile app used by the Gardian EMS, has been designed to keep patrons safe and can provide support when and where ever needed. If you or any of your squad feel unsafe or need help, all you need to do is hit the discreet assistance button on your wristband and help will be dispatched immediately. The app tells the medics or police where they need to go to find you, you can track how far away they are and even talk to them whilst they are making their way to you.

Festival organizers are already recognizing the benefits of this technology with Gardian Technologies chief executive officer Graham Gordon already being approached by several event organisers who are interested in the wristband since the restrictions have been lifted and the rescheduling of cancelled events begins. Among those interested include “a popular Sydney dance festival, an annual festival and a major cycling tour”, Mr Gordon said

The Gardian EMS package includes the Eventlife mobile application, smart wristbands, a medic/security mobile application for the onsite team and the supporting control software to make it all happen, so everything you need to make an event as safe as possible. The wristbands are able to be rented to events at a cost of around $5 per person, a cost easily absorbed into ticket prices or for avid festivites, wristbands can also be purchased. For the people who buy their wristband, you simply need to add your ticket to the information stored on the band and it will update for the latest event you are attending, including maps and all other info needed about facilities, set times, ticket registration and a digital wallet for cashless purchases.

To establish your user profile, the app will ask a series of questions, this process is to get information about your medical history. These questions are asked to ensure the best care possible in case of an emergency. The information provided by you in your User Profile is only used by the medical team in case of a medical emergency and is treated in accordance with our medical data and privacy policy and never used for marketing or promotional purposes.

“Gardian EMS is a world first solution for onsite care, harm minimisation and in reducing alcohol and drug related harm, assaults, and in saving lives”

— Graham Gordon

Other benefits provided to management are patron numbers at sponsor activations, or event zones as well as the amount of time spent at each zone. Security is also assisted with accreditation management and entry access across all geofenced zones. The bands will also notify staff if they are ‘swapped out’ between other users, alerting staff to the sharing of tickets for entry or ‘VIP’ passes as bio-rhythms are unique to each individual

NSW Police Minister David Elliott told Sky News pill testing at music festivals could offer a “false sense of security”. Mr Elliott says this sends a "terrible message" to young people about illicit drugs. "We can't just surrender the war against drugs," so while the police continue with their head in the sand approach it is a blessing to organisers and the attendees that the team from Gardian are taking the innovative and adult approach to an issue that is not going away.

The Future of Health and Safety at Festivals