Taken
from the FWS St Johns Ambulance report 1983
Stonehenge Free Festival, Midsummer Solstice,
1983
Planning for the 1983 Pop Festival Medical Services commenced in January, as
it was envisaged that some changes would be appropriate. I refreshed my mind
by referring to last year's reports and casualty lists and then discussed with
the other organisations how we should set up this year's services.
One of my main objectives was to attempt not to increase, but if possible !
Reduce the general size of the medical set up.. With hindsight this was not
a good idea - the festival as we all know was much larger than in previous years
and to say we were stretched at times is an understatement.
The main shortcoming this year was the fleld hospital marquee. - we were unable
to nurse the number of patients as in previous years. It was planned to have
only one ambulance on site, but within two days it was obvious that this was
not sufficient. This was supplemented by a second ambulance from Salisbury Division.
It was also planned to reduce the length of stay if possible. This we did, but
after the event it was noted that other support services were left with con-siderable
medical problems.
We moved onto the Stonehenge Pop Festival site on Wednesday 15th June 1983
after consultatfon'with Amesbury Pollce, setting up our camp consisting of a
Mobile First Aid Unit from Salisbury Division;Ambulance from Warminster Division,Caravan
and Awning from Amesbury Division and staff caravan from South Area.
The usual generator was loaned by Salisbury Health District. Radio communications
were courtesy of Wiltshire Ambulance Service, complemented by the most valuable
new St John Ambulance radios.
Once we had everything ship-shape, we erected our customary fencing (courtesy
of Mr Morrison - Countess Farm), giving us a degree of seclusion and also helped
wlth security.
From the moment we arrived, customers began to present themselves for treatment,
and it became apparent very quickly that to have reduced our staffing levels
would have been disastrous. We were able to maintain levels of 8 staff per day
and 6 by night. This will indeed have to be reviewed for next year.
As in previous years, a petrol account was opened at High Post Fillling Station
for ambulances. Provisions were purchased from Amesbury Co-op, with drugs and
dressings from Humes Chemist, Amesbury.
Stonehenge 83 was incredibly hectic. Considering the Field Medical Services
were only in situ for 10 days, in excess of 2,000 patients were treated.
One thing that we in St John have lived in dread of was the possibility of fire
- this became a reality this year, and the burns we encountered were horrific
(I believe our members treated them with great skill and efficiency).
During the 10 day's stay we were (with some difficulty) able to maintain our
staff consisting of : A Duty Officer; Duty Nurse; Duty Driver; and Duty First
Aiders. One change we introduced was a work list; this was requested by our
members during last year's follow-up meeting.
One improvement following this was putting a member on field duty. This meant,
should there be a call for help in the field, a designated member would collect
a crash box and hand radio. S/he would go to the patient, assess the situation
and then radio for assistance if required This avoided sending an ambulance
out into the densely populated field, very often taking a long time to find
the patient. With the new system, patients received treatment quickly and then
if an ambulance was required; it could be directed by radio to the patient.
The customary evening surgeries again proved very successful. The Doctors from
the Amesbury Surgery have over the years been extremely supportive, and it is
indeed reassuring to know that they will turn out to the site at any time of
the day or night if required.
It was generally felt by all the members who worked at the festival that there
was a friendly atmosphere throughout the medical unit.
It was encouraging to have visits from senior St John staff and also senior
Health District Staff.
One major improvement which I believe should be pursued, is the installation
of a temporary telephone, probably for the use of all welfare services. This
would make communications so much more effective.
In conclusion, I would like to thank Miss C. Jenner, Chief Nursing Officer,
Salisbury Health District; Mr D. Blackshaw, Director of Nursing 5ervices, Old
Manor Hospital; Chief Inspector P. Bendry, Wiltshire Constabulary; Wiltshire
Ambulance Service; Drs Batten, Smith' Thompson and Tayean of the Amesbury Health
Centre; the Officers and Members of the St John Ambulance Divisions, South Area
Wiltshire and all those who contributed with equipment or advice during this
major event. Without help from all of these people , I would not have been able
to organise and run this duty.
Dave Nobbs.