Guides · Events · 3 min read
First aid post: what it is and when your event needs one
A first aid post is the medical services’ fixed point of contact on the site. When it is required, how it is equipped and where it is located.
In short: A first aid post (Unfallhilfsstelle, UHS) is a room, tent or container on the event site where the event medical services treat and look after people. Under the Berlin Fire Brigade scheme, at least one is provided from 3 points.
Why a first aid post?
Most of the help given at events does not involve emergencies: circulation problems, cuts, insect stings, too much sun. These are treated in the first aid post without needing an ambulance. This relieves the public emergency services and keeps your access routes clear.
Equipment
- Treatment and rest areas, privacy screens
- Emergency equipment, defibrillator, oxygen
- Dressings and cooling materials, water, thermal blankets
- Radio and documentation
Alternatively, a suitable vehicle conforming to DIN EN 1789 can serve as a first aid post.
The right location
Clearly visible and signposted, accessible at ground level, with a short access route for the emergency services – but not directly in front of the stage, where it is loudest. On extensive sites, several locations make sense.
How many first aid posts are required?
Under the Berlin Fire Brigade scheme, the number rises with the total score:
| Total points | First aid posts |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | none |
| 3 to 4 | 1 |
| 5 | 2 |
| 6 to 8 | 3 |
| 9 | 4 |
| 10 to 11 | 5 |
The Maurer scheme, which is customary in Brandenburg, only provides for a first aid post from around 50 points – in other words, only for large events. In rural areas we still plan one more often, because the distances to the nearest hospital are long.
Tent, room or vehicle?
- Permanent room: the best solution in halls and stadiums – quiet, heated, with water and electricity.
- Tent or container: the standard on open ground. Needs level ground, electricity, lighting and, in winter, heating.
- Vehicle: sensible for small events or as an additional location. It is quick to set up, but offers only one treatment space.
What the organiser provides
- A pitch with a paved access route that stays clear throughout the event
- Electricity and lighting, and water nearby if possible
- Signage and an entry on the site plan
- A quiet spot – away from loudspeakers, generators and smoking areas
First aid post and mobile teams
The station alone is not enough. Mobile teams move through the crowd, bring casualties to the first aid post and carry a defibrillator so that the 4-minute rule is met. Someone always stays at the station to look after patients and can be reached by radio.
The requirements calculator shows how many first aid posts your event needs.
Frequently asked questions
How big does a first aid post need to be?
That depends on the event. For smaller events, one or two treatment spaces with privacy screens are enough; at large events, separate rest and care areas are added.
Who provides the tent and equipment?
As a rule, the event medical services. The organiser provides the pitch, electricity and a clear access route.
Can the first aid post also be used for awareness?
Better not. An awareness retreat space should be quiet and separate, but nearby, so that both teams can work together.
Matching service: Concerts & festivals from Pandemedics – quote within 2 hours on working days.
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Calculating event medical services in Berlin: how the Berlin Fire Brigade scheme works
How many medics does an event in Berlin need? The Berlin Fire Brigade assessment scheme explained step by step – with an example and calculator.
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