Festival Ordinaire 2023: a look back at a prevention campaign
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Why intervene directly at a festival?
Festive events bring together very diverse audiences, in contexts where alcohol, fatigue, heat, travel, substance use, and vulnerability risks sometimes combine. A visible stand allows questions to be answered as they arise and quickly directs a person in difficulty.
The goal is not to monitor festival-goers or moralize their behavior. It is about making information accessible, reminding of warning signs, and facilitating access to emergency services or a trusted person.
The topics addressed on site
- effects of alcohol on alertness and driving;
- risks related to mixing substances and unknown composition products;
- responses to suspected chemical submission;
- importance of not leaving a vulnerable person alone;
- referral to emergency services and specialized resources;
- sexual prevention and respect for consent.
What this experience confirmed
Field action works better when the stand is easy to spot, when staff know emergency procedures, and when messages remain concrete. Volunteers, security teams, bars, emergency services, and organizers must know who to direct the public to.
Distributed or presented materials are only support tools. No breathalyzer, glass protector, or detection tool replaces collective vigilance, victim support, or medical care when symptoms appear.
Best practices for the next edition
- set up the prevention point in a visible area but allowing discreet exchanges;
- train staff before site opening;
- prepare a simple sheet with roles and useful numbers;
- provide enough water, materials, and tools adapted to the audience;
- organize clear coordination with the first aid post and security;
- conduct a review after the event to improve the setup.
An approach set to evolve
Since this 2023 action, the solutions offered to organizers have evolved: awareness materials, glass condoms, Test Ton Verre® cards and bracelets, breathalyzers, and connected devices like B-SAFE. These tools remain complementary to human organization and an alert protocol.
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