Mardi Grass Revellers In Safe Hands

[Oz]

Revellers at this year's Nimbin MardiGrass can feel safe in the knowledge that there will be a host of volunteers trained in first aid techniques present throughout the celebrations.

 

In a joint initiative between the Hemp Embassy, the Jungle Patrol Community Safety Inc and Australian Red Cross NSW's (ARC NSW) HOPE program, volunteers are to be trained in first aid techniques specific to drug crisis' management. The sessions will be free of charge to volunteers in an effort to minimise any harm to individuals or the community during the three-day event.

 

Participants will be instructed on how to effectively respond to overdose situations ranging from substance induced anxiety through to unconsciousness. Participants will be made aware of the risk factors that may contribute to an overdose as well as how to recognise the signs and symptoms of someone who is getting into trouble.

 

Organisers of the event, to be held over the first weekend of May, expect up to 10,000 revellers to converge on the tiny Nimbin community to take part in what is quickly becoming one of Australia's best-known alternative festivals.

 

Now in its 12th year, this year's festivities include the Kombi Konvoy, the Hemp Olympix, a Pot Psychosium Forum and a Street Protest Rally in support of cannabis law reforms.

 

"As the MardiGrass is an international cannabis cultural gathering it can be expected that some of the revellers attending will be partaking in or experimenting with drugs - predominately marijuana", Nimbin Jungle Patrol Coordinator Gil Schilling said adding, "the objective behind training the volunteers in CPR is to ensure there is plenty of assistance at hand if required".

 

ARC NSW HOPE Program Coordinator Tomas O'Brien said that while the Australian Red Cross recognised that the best way to avoid substance related health issues was to abstain from using altogether, if party goers do choose to take drugs the HOPE program aims to reduce the risks involved.

 

"It is about minimising the harm caused to the users themselves, to the overall Nimbin community and the reputation of the event. Volunteers who undertake the training will not only be doing their bit for the reveller's safety, but will also receive full CPR accreditation, which they can take away with them", O'Brien said.

 

To date the ARC NSW HOPE Program has successfully trained approximately 900 participants in recognising and responding to drug or alcohol overdose.

 

The Nimbin Jungle Patrol is currently calling for volunteers to undertake the first aid training and to act as Officers during the event. The Officers responsibilities will involve crowd control, distributing venue and event information and safety management.

 

The Australian Red Cross HOPE training is scheduled for April 27th, 28th and 29th and will be held at Nimbin Bowling Club.

 

If you are interested in becoming a Nimbin Jungle Patrol volunteer for this year's Nimbin MardiGrass, and undertaking the free CPR training call Gil Shilling from the Nimbin Jungle Patrol on (02) 66890567 or go here

 

Tom O'Brien

HOPE Project Coordinator

Australian Red Cross

Ph 02 9229 4142

Mo 0419 250 815