No matter the size or scale of an UMSU event, we prioritise wellbeing. We have a responsibility to provide proper first aid assistance and ensure that all event staff and volunteers know how to access it promptly. Milly Walker, Events Production Officer, is your go-to for First Aid and safety planning of events.

During low-risk events in business hours, you'll find first aid-certified UMSU and University staff, including University Security, who can assist with minor first aid incidents, including those related to events.

Where your event has been identified as medium or high-risk by the Events department, (events like gatherings of over 100 people, events serving alcohol, and those outside regular business hours), specific first aid plans, including Mental Health First Aid, should be part of event planning and resourcing. You may need to budget for hiring external medics to rove events, set up a station, or even bring their ambulance. 


In case of a medical emergency, always dial 000 first and then call University Security at (03) 834 46666 to help guide emergency services on campus. Why not open your phone right now and put security's number in as a contact?


 All Events
  • Ensure your event team and volunteers are briefed on how to access first aid for the event and are aware of the University Security contact number and medical emergency protocol. Get people to open their phones and put security's phone number in as a contact before the event kicks off. 
  • Know your emergency evacuation plan for the venue and communicate it to your staff, volunteers, and performers.
  • Familiarise yourself with the building Emergency Management - Preparedness and Response and the University’s Flip chart - Emergency response procedures. 
 For High-Risk Events

  • Ensure a Medic is onsite and allocated to the event.
  • Ensure Medics are identifiable and ideally located at a designated, accessible first aid station.
Event Briefings

Copy this list into your phone as a brief template so you can communicate key information to all event staff, including:

  • event details
  • logistics
  • communication processes
  • staffing arrangements
  • emergency plans (including evacuation procedures)
  • first aid post details (location and personnel)
  • University of Melbourne and external security post details
  • conditions that may affect the event
  • venue layout plans
  • access routes
  • facilities for emergency service personnel, vehicles, and equipment
You may want to have printed copies of site maps and run sheets to hand out to people forclarity.