West Fest Safety Resources
SHIFT Safety Guidlines:
1. One at a Time
· Avoid mixing substances - the combo of some substances can lead to potentially harmful or fatal situations.
2. Pace Yourself
· Remember to check in with yourself and slow down!
3. Narcan is Available
· You have the power to prevent an overdose - if you notice someone exhibiting signs of a potential overdose, speak up and seek help. Narcan is available at the event location – you can also get it for free on UT's campus at the PCL library’s front desk.
4. Know the Signs
· If someone is exhibiting slow/weak breathing, loss of consciousness, or other signs of overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
5. Make the Call
· If you notice that a friend has had too much or is in a potentially life-threatening situation, the best way that you can support them is by calling 911 and looking for the nearest medical professional.
What to do in case of an overdose:
1. Call 911/seek help from the nearest medical professional.
2. In the case of a potential opioid overdose administer naloxone (Narcan nasal spray) – it is available at each event location.
3. Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
4. Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
5. Stay with them until emergency personnel arrive. Remember, even after administering Narcan in the case of an opioid overdose, this is not a substitute for emergency medical attention. You should still call 911 or seek the nearest medical professional.
· Signs of Alcohol Poisoning (MUST HELP):
1. Mental Confusion
2. Unresponsive
3. Snoring/Gasping for air
4. Throwing Up
5. Hypothermia
6. Erratic Breathing
7. Loss of consciousness
8. Paleness/blueness of skin
· Signs of Opioid Overdose:
1. Small, constricted, “pinpoint” pupils
2. Falling asleep/lack of consciousness
3. Slow, shallow breathing
4. Choking/gurgling sounds
5. Limp body
6. Pale, blue or cold skin
· Narcan (Naloxone) Access:
1. Narcan is available without a prescription at most pharmacies, and is covered by most medical insurances.
2. In addition to being available for emergency access in all on-campus residence halls, Narcan is available for free to current UT students at the PCL in the form of a nasal spray.
3. Each event house will have doses of Narcan available, if needed.
· How to Use Narcan (Naloxone Nasal Spray):
1. Call for medical assistance.
2. Peel back the packaging to remove the nasal spray – hold the nasal spray with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and two fingers on the nozzle.
3. Place and hold the tip of the nozzle in either nostril of the person experiencing an opioid overdose until your fingers touch the bottom of the person’s nose.
4. Press the plunger to release the nasal spray into the person’s nose.
5. Stay with the person, calmly reassure them that help is on the way.
· Who to Call in Case of an Emergency:
1. 911
2. The Sobering Center
· The Sobering Center provides a safe place for publicly intoxicated individuals to sober up as an alternative to the emergency room or jail.
· The University of Texas at Austin is a referral partner for the Sobering Center.
· Call (512)957-1900
· UT students can avoid formal University disciplinary action when they:
· CALL: Call 911 immediately when you see the signs of alcohol poisoning or drug overdose.
· STAY: Stay with the person.
· HELP: Gently turn the person on their side to facilitate breathing and avoid choking should the person vomit.
· ANSWER: Cooperate with all emergency personnel.
· Additional Resources:
1. CMHC Crisis Line: (512)471-2255
2. Nurse Advice Line: (512)475-6877
3. Student Emergency Services: (512)471-5017
4. UTPD: (512)-471-4441
5. Title IX Office: (512)232-3992
6. Texas Harm Reduction Alliance
7. Sober Austin
8. SAFE Alliance: (512)267-7233
9. Victims Advocate Network: (512)232-9699
10. APD Victims Services: (512)974-5037
IFC Provided On-Site Resources
Water Station Location(s)
Depending on the event location, we will have one permanent hydration station, and one mobile hydration unit.
Leon Street - Free Water (Company) Friday and Saturday
26West - American Campus, SHIFT
Emergency Preparedness
Code4 - Is our provider for on-site medical services.
Code4 is a private Emergency Medical Service that employees state certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics. They will be staffing our medical tent that is open to all attendees, our two mobile medic teams that will respond to emergent situations at chapter houses, and at some locations, we will have on-site teams that are ready to respond to emergencies at a moments notice.
Roaming Security
The Texas IFC will be providing supplemental general security that will be patrolling around event venues, able to handle small disputes, and assist individual location’s security teams.
UT Police
West Fest is not affiliated directly with The University of Texas, however, we are continuing to work with the police department to make sure we are following all local, university, and IFC policies.
Fire Marshals
The Texas IFC West Fest team has been working diligently with the Fire Marshals of the City of Austin. All IFC members participating in West Fest must fully permit any event that is taking place.
Ticketing and Event Access
To ensure utmost safety and security measures are taken to correctly, and efficiently verify age, identity, and track occupancy; West Fest 2022 will be utilizing the Intellitix Event Access Management System at all events.
Each ticketed guest will receive either a 18+ general admission band, or if their government issued identification states they are 21+ (On the date of the first event) they will be given a 21+ wristband. These two bands are distinct and color, and are intended to make verifying age easy, and accurate.