Emergency services prepare for LJT: How to stay safe at the festival

By Alexis Skinner – 

It’s that time of year again, Larry Joe Taylor Live is in Stephenville and so is the crowd. Thousands of people come over a period of 5 days to see this large country music festival, and that means the opportunity for alcohol induced danger heightens.

(Photo courtesy of Abbey Alexander)

Emergency services always prepares for this time of year. Jane Hedeman, registered nurse and Director of Emergency Services at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Stephenville, says stocking up on extra supplies and IV fluids is a must. When LJT is all said and done, the hospital generally experiences a %15 increase in patients. During this time, all shifts are filled and team members are on call.

Hedeman has a few tips to keep in mind to make the LJT festival a safe one:

• Always have a designated driver,
• Don’t stand on coolers or other stacked objects,
• Don’t get overheated,
• Avoid altercations and over-drinking.