Introduction
How many first aiders do I need for my event? It’s one of the most common questions organisers ask. It’s a crucial question – too few, and you risk being underprepared if something goes wrong; too many, and you end up paying for cover you don’t really need.
Getting it right isn’t just about peace of mind. Having the right level of medical cover is part of your responsibility as an organiser. It helps keep attendees safe, protects you from legal or insurance issues, and ensures your event runs smoothly.
In this guide, we’ll break down what the Purple Guide recommends, the factors you should think about, and some real world examples – so you can make an informed decision about medical cover for your event.
What we'll cover
Why Event Medical Cover is Essential
No matter the size or type of event, accidents and medical emergencies can happen without warning. From minor injuries like sprains and cuts to more serious incidents such as asthma attacks, fainting, or even cardiac arrest, it’s vital to have trained staff ready to respond.
Providing the right level of event first aid cover is no longer just the best practice, in many cases, it’s a requirement. The Purple Guide, which sets out health and safety standards for UK events, makes it clear that organisers have a duty of care to ensure attendees and staff are protected. Insurance providers also often expect a clear medical plan before they’ll provide cover. For a deeper look at why event medical cover is so critical, see our post on the importance of event medical cover.
Failing to plan for medical provision can have serious consequences. Not only could it put lives at risk, but it may also result in legal action or your event being shut down by authorities. On the other hand, having visible and professional event medics gives confidence to attendees, reassures stakeholders, and helps your event run smoothly.
Factors That Decide How Many Event First Aiders You Need
Unfortunately, there isn’t a one size fits all answer to event medical cover, because every event carries different risk. The right level of event cover depends on a few factors:
- Number of attendees
The larger the crowd, the higher the chance of incidents. A small village fair may only need a couple of first aiders, while a festival with thousands of people will require a full medical team.
- Type of event
Sporting fixtures, music festivals, or charity runs carry a higher risk of injury or illness compared to seated theatre shows or conferences. Activities involving alcohol, extreme sports, or large crowds often need additional cover.
- Demographics of attendees
Events with children, elderly people, or individuals with pre-existing health conditions may need more staff or higher clinical grades.
- Duration of the event
Longer events or those running late into the night increase the risk of fatigue, alcohol related incidents, and medical issues building up over time.
- Location and access
Remote sites, countryside events, or venues far from hospitals may need extra provision. If ambulance access is limited, on-site cover becomes even more important.
- Previous incidents
If similar events have had issues in the past (e.g. dehydration, injuries, fainting), organisers should plan for those risks.
Taking all these factors into account allows you to build a tailored medical plan that ensures the safety of attendees while meeting Purple Guide recommendations.
Purple Guide Recommendations Explained
The Purple Guide is the recognised standard for health and safety at UK events. It makes clear that there’s no one size fits all formula for medical cover – every event is different and should be assessed individually. Instead of just looking at how many people will attend, organisers should consider all the risk factors: the type of event, its duration, the activities taking place, the age of the audience, and whether alcohol or drugs are likely to be involved.
To make things easier, the Purple Guide sets out five tiers of events, each with different expectations for medical cover:
- Tier 1 – Small, low-risk events (e.g. a village fete, <500 people, no alcohol). May only need a basic first aid kit and a named first aider.
- Tier 2 – Local community events (up to ~2,000 people, low-risk activities, light alcohol). Usually requires a small team of first aiders, with a healthcare professional on site if transfers to hospital are possible.
- Tier 3 – Medium events (up to ~5,000 attendees, higher risks, alcohol likely). Requires a dedicated medical team, a clinical lead (paramedic, nurse, or doctor), and ambulances available if transfers are expected.
- Tier 4 – Large/complex events (up to ~10,000 people, alcohol/drugs expected, multiple days). Needs a full team including doctors, paramedics, first responders, ambulances, and on-site medical facilities.
- Tier 5 – Mass gatherings / very high-risk events (>10,000 attendees, multi-day, alcohol/drugs expected). Requires a comprehensive medical service with doctors, nurses, paramedics, control staff, and a robust hospital transfer plan.
It’s important to remember that the Purple Guide is guidance, not law. The exact level of cover depends on your event’s individual needs, and speaking to a professional provider can help you strike the right balance. That means you stay compliant, keep attendees safe, and also get the best value for money – without paying for cover you don’t need.
Real World Examples
To put the Purple Guide recommendations into context, here are some typical scenarios and the level of cover they might require:
- Community Fun Run – 300 people
A small, daytime event with low risk. Two trained first aiders may be sufficient, with clear access to 999 services if needed. - Charity Concert – 1,200 people
Indoor concert with some alcohol consumption. Cover would usually include a small team of first aiders and at least one healthcare professional on site to handle more serious issues. - Local Football Match – 800 spectators
Moderate risk due to sporting injuries and potential crowd incidents. Typically requires first aiders plus a senior clinician, and an ambulance crew if hospital transfers are expected - Outdoor Festival – 5,000+ attendees
Multi day event with alcohol, possible drug use, and camping. Requires a dedicated medical team including a clinical lead (paramedic/doctor), first aiders, advanced first aiders, and ambulances with hospital transfer capability - Mass Gathering – 20,000+ people
A large scale event with significant risks. Needs a comprehensive on site medical service: doctors, nurses, paramedics, first responders, ambulance crews, control staff, and a designated medical facility.
These are just examples, the exact staffing levels always depend on the event’s risk assessment, site layout, and history. Speaking to an experienced provider ensures you get cover that’s safe, compliant, and cost effective.
How LightMed Can Help
At LightMed, we make it simple for organisers to get the right level of event medical cover, without overpaying. Our approach is based on three things:
- Tailored Medical Needs Assessment
We don’t just count heads. We look at your event’s size, risk factors, and site layout to recommend cover that meets Purple Guide standards while staying within budget.
- Flexible Teams
From trained first aiders and first responders to paramedics and doctors, we scale our team to match your needs. We can also provide ambulances, cycle responders, or on site treatment centres when required.
- Reliable & Compliant
Our crews are fully qualified, DBS checked, and insured. We work closely with local ambulance services and authorities, so you can be confident your event is covered safely and professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many first aiders for events?
The number depends on factors such as event size, type, risks involved, and audience demographics. The Purple Guide recommends using a risk based approach rather than a fixed formula, with higher risk or larger events needing more first aiders.
How many first aiders are legally required?
There isn’t a specific legal minimum for public events in the UK. However, organisers have a duty of care and must meet health and safety requirements. Using recognised guidance like the Purple Guide helps ensure compliance and adequate cover.
Is it a legal requirement to have a first aider at a public event?
While not explicitly required by law, most events are expected to have medical provision in place. Insurers and local authorities often demand a clear medical plan before granting approval.
How much does it cost to hire first aiders for an event?
Costs vary depending on the number of staff, their clinical grade, the duration of cover, and whether ambulances or treatment centres are required. At LightMed, we tailor quotes to match the event’s needs while staying compliant with industry standards. Starting from £156.
What can you provide for my event?
We can provide a full range of staff, from first aiders to healthcare professionals. Fully equipped with high standard medical equipment, our teams can deal with any situation.
Our teams can deploy in a cycle responder in cycle response units for sporting events. We can provide ambulance crews in an emergency ambulance. We build an on-site medical centre, with advanced life support facilities. All events get a detailed risk assessment. We then create a bespoke medical plan for your event. All our staff get fully briefings before any event.
