Preventive Measures is the ISB website's bi-monthly section on health, wellness, safety precautions, and over-all well-being. Focusing on how to improve your life through sensible health practices and skills, Preventive Measures doles out a dose of good advice for a healthier and more active you.

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Once can never be too prepared, especially when dealing with a vast number of people in one place like, say, at a V-Convention. Not to be too negative about things, but it's always good to be prepared for the worst. That way, you can handle any possible emergency with efficiency and a cool head.

Emergency Contact Information:

Get a list of nearby hospitals, fire stations and police headquarters as well as their contact information. Forge a liaison between you and these emergency centers so you will have an immediate contact point just in case their assistance will be needed. Let them know ahead of time about the event and any pertinent details so they can respond right away as soon as an emergency arises. Make sure the list is accessible to anyone in the team to avoid delayed action and confusion.

First Aid Kit and Supplies:

When it comes to first aid, remember A-B-C: Airway, Breathing and Circulation. These are the first three things to check for when performing first aid. Your first aid kit should also contain items such as pocket masks and airway valves to assist those who have breathing difficulties, bandages, sterile dressings, antiseptics and adhesive tapes for bleeding or physical trauma, as well as medicines, syringes, scissors, tweezers thermometers, ice/heat packs and alcohol.

For large events like Conventions, it is necessary to have several of these at the ready and placed at strategic points in the venue.

First Aid Squad:

Some ISB members are trained in First Aid. Make sure you have able-bodied individuals who are debriefed and alert to any possible emergency. If there are professional doctors or other medical personnel within the group, then that is much better. Have their contact information or radio frequencies as part of the Emergency Contact list.

Safety Briefing:

Everyone should undergo a safety briefing prior to the event. These briefings should be tailored to each event, and all pertinent information should be updated. Briefings should also include exercises and practice trainings to increase efficiency and to work out possible roadblocks.

Exit Strategies:

In large events where literally thousands of people congregate, it is of utmost importance to have an exit strategy laid out. This means knowing how to direct the crowd safely and orderly out of the danger site. Figure out a plan and if possible practise drills prior to the events can minimize injury, control any panic and prevent escalation.

The bottom-line is, events are meant to be enjoyable occasions. Everyone is there to have a good time and an unforgettable experience. Keeping in mind the basics will help make it a more memorable occasion for all the right reasons.