A performer collapses backstage during a live event. How would you handle the medical emergency?
In the tense moments of a backstage medical emergency, your response can make all the difference. To handle the situation effectively:
- Immediately call for medical assistance to ensure professional help is on the way.
- Assess the performer's condition without moving them, unless they're in immediate danger.
- Provide comfort and reassurance while maintaining a clear path for emergency responders.
How do you prepare for unexpected situations in high-pressure environments? Share your strategies.
A performer collapses backstage during a live event. How would you handle the medical emergency?
In the tense moments of a backstage medical emergency, your response can make all the difference. To handle the situation effectively:
- Immediately call for medical assistance to ensure professional help is on the way.
- Assess the performer's condition without moving them, unless they're in immediate danger.
- Provide comfort and reassurance while maintaining a clear path for emergency responders.
How do you prepare for unexpected situations in high-pressure environments? Share your strategies.
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We train for this! In the event of a backstage medical emergency, remain calm and quickly assess the situation. First, call for medical assistance, give the location and nature of the emergency. Next, provide comfort to the affected individual, speaking calmly to help alleviate their anxiety. Maintain a clear path for emergency responders to have access the area. If on-set medics aren't available, delegate tasks to key crew members: designate someone to guide the medics, another to inform others to stay clear, and someone to keep the affected person calm. Always prioritize safety, ensuring that any potential hazards are addressed. Keep communication open and maintain a professional demeanor to foster a sense of control amidst the chaos.
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Always know performers possible medical issues ! This should be included in the bands riders and should be passed along to the stage crew and medical personnel on standby
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Prioritise the performer’s health by immediately calling for medical assistance and ensuring their safety. Keep the audience informed of necessary delays with professionalism, and adapt the schedule to maintain the event’s flow.
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Assess to the best of your ability in the moment and have a staff person relay the information to 911 while you delegate someone locating your on-site medic or team point person. Have at least that one person that alerted medics assigned to this individual to document the situation and assist, if medically necessary. Work with your stage manager to keep the chaos backstage and not alarm any of the audience or guests, so as to not disrupt the show. This is why there is always filler content on hand and someone that can emcee while you figure out if you move another speaker sooner, have a pop up stretch session, or fill in with some “me time” to surprise and delight attendees
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In 2011 I was touring with Asha Bhosle, an Indian legend, as a guitar player and vocalist. We were in Auckland performing when Asha ji came up to me and said- “I’m having chest pains, get help.” I was quite young (around 20) at the time and I panicked and put my guitar down and ran off stage but Asha ji was calm. She finished the song quickly & told the audience that we have a short break. By then I had informed the doctor and he was on standby. She walked off stage quietly, where the doctor cleared her and within 20 mins she was back on stage performing again. She was 77 at the time. I think the lesson here is that artists value discretion when it comes to their health. This is their life. A prepared support staff is key.
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Moments like these are incredibly tense! Having been in a high-pressure situation once, I’ve learned that staying calm is the first and most important step. Panic only adds to the chaos. For me, it’s always about acting fast but responsibly—calling for medical help right away and ensuring the area is clear for responders. And while waiting, providing reassurance to the person can make a world of difference. Even simple words like “Help is on the way, you’re going to be okay” can bring them some comfort. Also, I’ve realized the value of preparation. Having a trained team member in basic first aid or a pre-set emergency plan can really save lives. Would love to hear how others prepare for such moments—it’s something we can all learn from.
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CALL 911 Make sure the person who Collapsed is still breathing and had a pluse stay with them till Emergency Medics get to him or her
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Keeping calm so that you can think clearly and logically is important in situations like these. Clear communication, collaboration with others and leadership skills are vital here too. And having robust processes and procedures in place for such eventualities outlining roles and responsibilities making it clear who does what and when.
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Hire paramedic teams for your events, add them as a line item to your clients’ budget and make sure that you are ready for everything in advance. We plan, so plan.
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Stay calm. Call emergency services immediately. Ensure the performer is safe and away from harm. Check their breathing and pulse. If trained, provide CPR if needed. Inform event staff to manage the audience and delay the show. Follow medical advice until help arrives.
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