Christmas Event Safety Guide: Essential Medical and Fire Precautions for Event Organisers

Holiday events are happening across the country, from office Christmas parties to winter markets, corporate gatherings and festive community celebrations. Many of these events were planned months ago, yet December is when incidents are most likely to occur. Extra guests, temporary electrics, alcohol, winter weather and tight schedules all increase the risk of medical emergencies and fire hazards.

Even if your Christmas event is already organised, you can still make quick last-minute improvements to protect guests, staff and contractors. This guide gives event organisers, venue managers and security teams the key medical and fire safety measures that matter most in December.

Why Medical Safety Matters at Christmas Events

Medical incidents are the most common reason organisers call for help during festive events. The combination of large crowds, excitement, alcohol, busy catering areas and winter conditions can create avoidable risks.

Common medical issues at Christmas events include:

• Alcohol related incidents such as fainting, falls and confusion

• Slips and trips from decorations, trailing cables and wet floors

• Breathing issues triggered by smoke, aerosols or crowds

• Allergic reactions to festive foods

• Burns and cuts in kitchens or catering areas

• Panic, anxiety or crowd pressure injuries

• Pre-existing conditions aggravated by stress or temperature changes

A strong medical safety plan supports both guests and staff, and it can be improved even if your event is only days away.

Last Minute Medical Safety Improvements That Make a Real Difference

1. Confirm your first aid coverage

If you already have event medical cover booked, double check details with your provider.If not, ensure you still have:

• At least one trained first aid provider depending on event size

• A visible, clearly signposted first aid point

• A fully stocked first aid kit

• Basic PPE and hygiene supplies

  
  

2. Make the AED easy to find

If your venue has a defibrillator:

• Tell all staff where it is

• Remove obstacles blocking access

• Add temporary signage if needed

AED awareness can save lives at crowded events.

3. Improve emergency communication

Even with only a few hours notice, you can:

• Create a WhatsApp group for organisers and security

• Share emergency contact numbers

• Confirm who calls 999

• Share the exact venue address to give to ambulance services

• Assign a runner or communicator

This prevents delays during a real incident.

4. Reduce trip hazards with a 10-minute walk-through

Before guests arrive, check for:

• Loose cables not taped down

• Boxes or equipment left in corridors

• Decorations hanging too low

• Wet entrance areas

• Poor lighting in hallways or outdoor paths

Trip prevention reduces the most common event injuries.

5. Prepare for alcohol related risks

If your Christmas event includes alcohol:

• Provide easy access to drinking water

• Place staff or stewards near bar areas

• Monitor guests for signs of intoxication

• Create a quiet space for unwell individuals

Simple measures prevent medical escalations later in the night.

Crowd Management and Guest Safety

The government, following the Manchester Arena Inquiry recommendations, has confirmed its intention to close these loopholes.

Improve crowd safety by checking

• Entrances and exits are free of bottlenecks

• Decorations do not block escape routes

• Furniture supports good visibility

• Guests with mobility needs can move safely

• Stewards understand their positioning

• Emergency exits are unlocked and unobstructed

  
  

Crowd safety relies on good spacing, clear walkways and confident staff.

Fire Safety for Christmas Events

Winter events introduce increased fire risks, especially with temporary equipment, festive decorations and heating appliances.

The biggest Christmas fire hazards for events:

• Overloaded extension leads

• Older Christmas lights that generate heat

• Daisy chained multi adaptors

• Portable heaters placed near flammable materials

• Candles used as table decor

• Non PAT tested equipment

• Caterers working in high pressure conditions

Fire safety must be part of every December event plan, even if the event is already underway.

Quick Fire Safety Improvements You Can Make Today

1. Reduce electrical load

A fast check of all power sources can prevent electrical fires.Look for:

• Extension leads plugged into each other

• Excessive socket load

• Damaged cables

• Appliances that do not need to be powered

If possible, use LED Christmas lights which stay cool and use less energy.

2. Check fire extinguisher access

Confirm:

• Extinguishers are not blocked

• Staff know the closest extinguisher

• The correct extinguisher type matches the areaCO2 extinguishers should be available near electrical equipment.

  
  

3. Assign a fire safety lead

One person should be responsible for:

• Monitoring heaters and open flames

• Keeping exit routes clear

• Assisting with evacuation if needed

• Communicating with the event team

  
  

4. Review kitchen and catering safety

If catering is on site, ask the team to confirm:

• Fire blankets are accessible

• No decorations are near heat sources

• Staff are trained in food and fire safety

• Gas or electrical equipment has been checked

Hot kitchens remain one of the highest risk areas at festive events.

Outdoor Winter Event Consideration

Outdoor Christmas events require additional checks:

• Provide heated welfare areas for staff

• Check walkways for ice or damp patches

• Ensure cables and lighting are weather-rated

• Protect first aid points from wind and rain

• Provide clear signage that is visible in low light

• Prepare foil blankets or warming supplies for medical response

  
  

Winter conditions can worsen minor medical issues, so preparation matters.

Fast Safety Briefings for Staff and Security

A five-minute briefing can transform your response to emergencies.

At minimum, tell staff:

• The location of the first aid point

• Who the designated first aider is

• Where the AED is located

• The fire evacuation routes

• How to call for urgent help

• The location of extinguishers

• Who oversees crowd safety

Briefings reduce confusion during real incidents and support smooth event operations.

Last Minute Christmas Event Safety Checklist

Before guests arrive, confirm:

Medical

• First aiders present

• AED accessible

• First aid kit stocked

• Clear communication plan

• Water available to guests

  
  

Fire safety

• Electrical load reviewed

• Exit routes clear

• Decorations away from heat sources

• Fire extinguishers accessible

• Heaters supervised

  
  

General safety

• Trip hazards removed

• Walkways and emergency routes clear

• Staff fully briefed

• Safe crowd flow layout

• Catering safety checked

Small improvements lead to safer events.

FAQ: Christmas Event Medical and Fire Safety

What medical risks should event organisers prepare for at Christmas events?

The most common include alcohol related incidents, fainting, slips and trips, allergic reactions and breathing issues caused by crowded spaces or aerosols.

What level of first aid cover do I need for my event?

Coverage depends on event size, venue layout and risk profile. At least one trained first aider is recommended for smaller events. Larger events often require professional event medical staff.

Do Christmas lights increase fire risk?

Older incandescent lights can overheat. LED lights stay cooler and use less power, making them a safer choice for events.

What should I do if someone becomes unwell during the event

Move the person to a quiet area, call a first aider, provide reassurance and contact emergency services if symptoms worsen.

How do I prevent electrical fires at Christmas events

Avoid overloaded sockets, check for daisy-chained extension leads, use LED lighting and keep cables away from heat sources.

Your Christmas event should be safe, well-managed and enjoyable for everyone. Even if your event is already fully organised, these simple medical and fire safety improvements can reduce risk and improve guest wellbeing.

If you need professional event medical teams, fire marshals or risk assessments, our EMFS specialists can support you throughout the festive season.

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