As St John Ambulance first aiders prepare for one of their biggest first aid operations of the year, they’re urging party-goers at the V Festival at Hylands Park to follow some simple tips to stay safe.

The nation’s leading first aid charity will be providing a 160-strong team of healthcare professionals, ambulance crews, first aiders, and support staff for this year’s event this weekend.

They will staff four treatment centres and a 24-hour advanced medical centre with hightech life support facilities similar to those of a military field hospital.

First aiders will also be out and about among the crowds on foot patrol.

The medical cover for the event is a joint venture between St John Ambulance and the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Last year around 536 festival-goers were treated by St John Ambulance volunteers and 10 were taken to hospital.

St John Ambulance’s South Anglia District Manager, Darren Bartholomew, said: "We're delighted to be working with the V Festival team again this year.

"It's a great event and this year will provide the usual fantastic line-up and entertainment for the crowds.

"However, with any large gathering of people there is always the likelihood that there will be a need for first aid assistance so we'd just like festival-goers to take note of a few simple and sensible tips to help them stay safe during the weekend.'

St John Ambulance’s top tips for partying safely include:

  • Keep hydrated – the combination of warm weather, dancing and alcohol can make people extremely unwell so it's important to drink plenty of water
  • Protect yourself from the sun - heat stroke can potentially be life threatening. Wear a hat and plenty of sun cream
  • Make sure you know exactly what you're drinking
  • If you feel unwell, don't hesitate to visit any of the St John Ambulance medical points throughout the event - our care is free and confidential
  • Know where your friends are and how to get in touch if you lose each other.

St John Ambulance volunteers from all over the East of England will be providing first aid cover for the event.

Because of its extensive first aid and medical facilities, the charity is able to treat many casualties at the scene who would otherwise be taken to hospital.

The first aid team is trained and ready to deal with all kinds of injuries and medical conditions ranging from cut fingers to cardiac arrests.