FAQ — Event Medical Cover | Live Med

Question 1

What level of medical cover does my event need?

Accepted Answer

The level of cover required depends on several factors: expected attendance, event type, duration, venue type, and the activities taking place. The Purple Guide (the industry standard for event medical provision in the UK) provides a risk-assessment framework that we use to recommend the right clinical grades and staffing ratios. We'll always walk you through the rationale behind our recommendation.

Question 2

What is the Purple Guide?

Accepted Answer

The Purple Guide to Health, Safety and Welfare at Music and Other Events is the UK's definitive reference document for event safety. It covers medical provision, crowd management, fire safety, and more. Chapter 6 specifically addresses medical, ambulance, and first aid management. Live Med staff are trained to the standards it sets out, and we use it as the basis for all our event medical planning.

Question 3

Do I need a medical plan for my event?

Accepted Answer

For most licensed events and large gatherings, a written medical plan is a licensing requirement. It should cover staffing levels, clinical grades, communication protocols, casualty clearing stations, and hospital liaison. Live Med can produce a compliant medical plan as part of your booking — this is included for events over 500 attendees.

Question 4

What is the recommended ratio of medical staff to attendees?

Accepted Answer

There is no single fixed ratio — it depends on the event risk profile. As a general guide, the Purple Guide suggests a minimum of one first aider per 250 attendees for low-risk events, rising significantly for high-risk activities, alcohol-licensed events, or events with vulnerable attendees. We assess each event individually and recommend staffing accordingly.

Question 5

Are you major incident ready?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Live Med is major incident ready. Our clinical staff are equipped with the latest TST (Ten Second Triage) packs, enabling rapid triage and prioritisation of casualties in a mass casualty scenario. Combined with our MIMMS-trained commanders and JESIP-aware teams, we are prepared to integrate with statutory emergency services should a major incident be declared at your event.

Question 6

What clinical grades do your staff hold?

Accepted Answer

Our staff range from Emergency Care Assistants (ECAs) and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) through to HCPC-registered Paramedics, Nurses, Mental Health Practitioners, and GMC-registered Doctors. All staff are vetted, DBS checked, and hold current event medical experience. We can provide evidence of qualifications and registration on request.

Question 7

Are your staff HCPC or GMC registered?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our paramedics are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), our nurses with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and our doctors with the General Medical Council (GMC). We can provide registration numbers and certificates of insurance for any staff member deployed to your event.

Question 8

Do your staff carry their own equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All Live Med staff arrive in full uniform with a personal equipment kit appropriate to their clinical grade. This includes airway management, oxygen therapy, trauma dressings, and AED access as a minimum. For larger events we can also provide a full medical equipment pack, ambulance, or response vehicle.

Question 9

Can you provide mental health support at events?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have Mental Health Practitioners (MHPs) available for events where psychological first aid may be required — festivals, large public gatherings, and productions dealing with sensitive subject matter. MHPs work alongside the clinical team and can provide on-site assessment, de-escalation, and onward referral.

Question 10

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

We recommend contacting us at least 4 weeks before your event to guarantee availability of the right clinical grades. For major events or multi-day festivals we suggest 8–12 weeks. We can mobilise at short notice for urgent requirements — contact us and we'll do our best.

Question 11

How do you calculate the cost of cover?

Accepted Answer

Quotes are based on event type, expected attendance, duration, location, and the clinical grades required. We provide a clear, itemised proposal — usually within 24 hours of your enquiry. All rates are exclusive of VAT. Multi-day and multi-role deployments attract volume discounts.

Question 12

Do you charge for travel?

Accepted Answer

Travel within 50 miles of our base is included. Beyond that, mileage is charged at HMRC approved rates. Accommodation for multi-day events away from base is agreed in advance and included in your quote.

Question 13

Are your staff insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All Live Med staff carry professional indemnity insurance and public liability cover. We can provide certificates of insurance on request, and our company holds full event medical liability cover.

Question 14

Where can I find the Purple Guide?

Accepted Answer

The Purple Guide is published by The Events Industry Forum and is available at thepurpleguide.co.uk. It is the definitive UK reference for event health, safety, and welfare. We recommend all event organisers familiarise themselves with Chapter 6 (Medical, Ambulance and First Aid Management) as a minimum.

Question 15

What is JESIP and does it apply to events?

Accepted Answer

JESIP (Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles) is the framework used by UK emergency services to coordinate their response at major incidents. For large events, understanding JESIP principles helps ensure your medical team can integrate effectively with police, fire, and ambulance services if a major incident is declared. Live Med staff are trained in JESIP awareness.

Question 16

What is JRCALC and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

JRCALC (Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee) publishes the clinical practice guidelines used by UK paramedics and ambulance clinicians. Our paramedics and EMTs practice to current JRCALC guidelines, ensuring consistent, evidence-based clinical care at your event.

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