Download Festival attendees instructed to remove smartwatches due to moshpit-triggered emergency alerts.
When hundreds of 999 calls inundated the emergency services during the Download festival a couple of years ago, it seemed like a calamity might be unfolding at the three-day heavy metal event in Leicestershire. However, the source of the calls was not a widespread emergency but rather smartwatches and other devices worn by attendees that triggered the alerts. The devices, operating on the assumption that individuals in moshpits had been involved in collisions, automatically dialed emergency services, prompting a flood of false alarms.
To prevent a repeat of this situation, Leicestershire police are urging festival-goers to switch their devices to airplane mode or disable emergency alerts to avoid unnecessary 999 calls. The number of emergency calls during the event soared to almost 1,300, doubling the usual volume for a long weekend. This inundation of calls led to a strain on resources as each call had to be assessed to ensure that no actual emergency was occurring, diverting attention away from genuine crisis situations that needed immediate assistance.
Police are advising individuals who accidentally trigger their devices to place 999 calls to remain on the line or respond to callbacks from emergency teams to confirm their safety status. Moshpits, while known for their energetic chaos, do carry inherent risks according to some experts. For instance, certain wearable technologies like Apple watches come equipped with crash detection features that are designed to alert emergency services in the event of a severe car crash.
The Download festival, held at Donington Park near Castle Donington in Leicestershire, is expected to draw around 75,000 attendees this year, making it the UK’s premier rock festival. The event, which began on Friday, features headlining acts such as Green Day, Sleep Token, and Korn. With a fancy dress theme of Friday 13th, festival organizers have advised against bringing any fake or replica weapons, such as toy guns or swords, as these items can lead to confusion during security checks and may cause unnecessary distress to other festival-goers.
In conclusion, maintaining vigilance and prudence when utilizing wearable technology at events like the Download festival is essential to prevent false alarms and ensure that emergency services can respond effectively to genuine crisis situations. By following the guidelines provided by authorities and exercising caution with the use of smart devices, festival attendees can contribute to a safer and more enjoyable overall experience for all participants.