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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