Drug ARM W.A: Event Support

Event Support

Drug ARM WA can provide services at large public events or concerts, to help organisers look after thier patrons. The program started in 2005 and has been present at the Rock iT Festivals and the Perth Skyshow. The services we provide include: Recovery Tent, Water Station and Roving Patrols.

Recovery Tent

A 6m x 3m marquee that provides a secure, supervised place to sober up (camp
mats for clients to rest on, chairs for others less inebriated)Information about drugs, and their effects on health and behaviour. Completely confidential, non-judgemental personal support for drug, alcohol and other issues. For example those experiencing difficulties at home, at school or uni, or with friends, with the availability of immediate access to phone counsellors, and
ongoing professional support in the form of counselling and mentoring by staff, post
event.Water to rehydrate clients
Basic first aid, assessment of condition and if need be referral of clients to Ambulance or St John’s first aid tent.

Water Station

Tap water served in plastic cups to rehydrate spectators (optional service as often
other arrangements for water provision have been made)

Roving patrols

Teams of two or more people walking through the event.Referring people to the Recovery Tent, St Johns and other services.Providing emotional support, and information pertinent to the event.On the spot basic first aid.
Distributing bottled water to dehydrated spectators (This is optional and bottled water would need to be provided by the event organiser or someone other than Drug ARM WA)

These services are provided by 2 Drug ARM WA staff members and at least 10 volunteers
who have been given basic training in drug and alcohol issues; listening & emotional support skills, and making referrals. They also have experience in school leavers or street van scenarios.Our teams are non-medical, however all teams have some qualified first-aiders. Our qualified first-aiders are there to provide immediate first aid if necessary, and to be able to make assessments of our clients to determine the level of medical attention they require. Although we are not a first aid provider, we work in partnership with St John first aid teams and ambulance, by being able to reduce the load of non-critical clients that they have to attend to, and by referring only clients genuinely in need of medical attention to St John. If you are interested in the Events Support Program, please call Amanda Ellerby at the office (08) 9497-9498 or by email amanda@drugarmwa.org.au