Sticking with your friends at festivals and events this summer means keeping each other safe from harms. Deaths caused by drug toxicity continue to be a big concern in BC – here are some tips to stay safer if you or your friends are planning to use drugs.

People are at a higher risk when they use drugs alone
Before the festival, talk with your friends about how you’ll stick together. Make sure that no one is left alone for long periods of time. Pick a spot to meet if your group gets split up, and plan to check in throughout the day.

Get to know where things are
Take note of  where the exits, water and food stations, bathrooms, and harm reduction and first aid services are. Make sure your phone is charged; some festivals may have charging stations. Check the festival’s website for a map of the grounds and to see what services they offer.

If you’re planning to use drugs, take some steps to use more safely
It’s extra risky to mix substances. You might not mean to mix – drugs can be cut with other drugs you’re not aware of. Or, taking a party drug while on prescription medication could result in a bad interaction. Taking drugs after drinking can cause you to take more than you usually would, or make the effects feel more intense than expected.

Tell someone you trust what substances you believe you are taking. Test a small amount first, and then go slowly. Go with a friend to the festival’s harm reduction tent, if available, to see if they can check your drugs. They provide a safe space for you to ask questions and can advise you on safer use.

You may find it helpful to research the substances that are common at music festivals, using a resource such as DanceSafe. You can also consider going to a drug-checking facility  in your community a few days before the festival, if available.

If you use fentanyl test strips to check your drugs without help from a trained harm reduction worker, know that these strips have limitations and none are specifically designed to check street drugs before consumption. Read more on safer drug use.

Take naloxone training and get a kit
Naloxone is a medication that can quickly reverse the effects of an overdose from opioids. It’s safe to give naloxone even if the person hasn’t taken opioids. Take naloxone training online and find where to get a kit using towardtheheart.com or by calling 8-1-1.

Keep an eye on your friends. If you see any signs of an overdose in them or other festival goers, call 9-1-1 right away. The signs include:

Learn how to respond to an overdose
The first step is calling 9-1-1 for help. Then, follow the SAVE ME steps while you wait for first responders to arrive.

It is important to know that the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects people from simple drug possession charges while responding to an overdose. This means that a person won’t be charged or arrested for carrying drugs for their own personal use. If you or your friends possess a small amount of drugs, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 – every moment matters when someone is overdosing.

Take time to chill
Don’t pressure yourself or your friends to do and see everything. You’ll have a much better time if you are comfortable and well rested. Drink water throughout the day, seek out some shade, and eat regular meals and snacks. Remember, festivals usually have amazing food to offer too!