Guidelines for Dance Parties - Division of Local Government - NSW ...

Guidelines for Dance PartiesEarly discussions with the Police about the intended party helps them to plan their support services.For example:◆◆◆◆◆responding quickly to secure the safety of the promoters and patrons if unforeseen problemsor emergencies develop at the dance partyminimising community disruption, such as organising traffic to help patrons get to andfrom the dance partydiscussing crowd control and security arrangements with the promoter, security controlleror consultantagreeing on procedures for Police attendance and for security staff who may have tosearch for, seize and store drugs, hold suspects or barr known criminalsproviding a back up to the dance party’s security arrangements.All key dance party personnel should keep a copy of the local Police Station telephone numberhandy for emergencies.For large events, the State Operations Planning Unit (telephone 02 9281 0000) of the PoliceService should also be contacted during the planning stage. Please see the Department of LocalGovernment’s ‘Major and Special Events: A Guide for Promoters and Councils’ for more details.Ambulance ServicesPromoters must notify the local Office of the Ambulance Service Sector Manager 21 daysbefore the dance party. You can find their contact details under ‘Ambulance Service of NSW,Ambulance Service Administration’, in the Telstra White Pages Telephone Directory. Contactmay be made by telephone, facsimile or mail.A local District Officer will then meet with promoters to make arrangements for:◆◆◆clear passage for ambulance vehicles to gain access into the venue, including access byambulance officers to the first aid postproviding the Ambulance Services with a plan of the venue and access to it. This planshould include: (a) a map of the venue location, including any significant landmarks, thenames of the streets surrounding the venue and any road blocks due to road works or forthe event itself (b) a floor plan of the venue, including the stage area, stairs and exits, and(c) a nominated pickup point for patrons needing medical assistancethe Security Controller to make sure that any ambulance called is met on arrival andclear instructions are given about access and casualties. In the case of multiple casualties,security staff must cordon off the affected area to allow ambulance personnel free accessto treat and remove casualties.Any dance party attended by 10,000 patrons or more must have an ambulance in full time attendance,with an additional ambulance for every extra 10,000 patrons. The promoters must pay in advancefor the cost of this service. If the Ambulance Service is notified up to 14 days before the event,normal rates are charged. If less than 14 days notice is given, overtime rates are charged. Ambulancesmust be hired for a minimum of four hours. As at 1 January 1998, the minium charge is $115 for fourhours on weekdays and the maximum charge is $300 for 4 hours at overtime rates on publicholidays. The time charged includes travel to and from the event.8