Ramadan is a significant month in the Islamic calendar, marked by fasting, prayer, reflection, charity, and community connection.Ramadan is also a time when mosques, Islamic organisations, and multicultural communities host gatherings such as iftar dinners, prayer nights, charity drives, and community celebrations. 

These events often bring people together in large numbers, which means organisers should plan not only for a welcoming experience, but also for safety, crowd management, and medical readiness. 

Whether you’re organising a small community iftar or a large-scale Ramadan gathering, having the right first aid planning in place can make a major difference. 

 

What Happens During Ramadan Gatherings? 

Many Ramadan events happen after sunset, because Muslims fast from dawn until sunset during Ramadan. Fasting includes avoiding food and drink during daylight hours. 

Community gatherings during Ramadan commonly include: 

Iftar (Breaking the Fast) 

Iftar is the evening meal where the fast is broken at sunset. It is often shared with family, friends, and the wider community. Many mosques and Islamic organisations host communal iftar dinners, which may attract hundreds of attendees in a single evening. 

Increased Evening Attendance 

Mosques and community centres often see increased attendance during Ramadan, especially in the evenings. This means higher foot traffic, crowded entry points, and busier car parks — particularly close to sunset when people arrive to break their fast. 

Eid al-Fitr Preparation 

Towards the end of Ramadan, many communities prepare for Eid al-Fitr, which often involves large prayer gatherings, family celebrations, and public events. 

For organisers, these events are meaningful and positive — but they can also bring increased risk if safety planning is overlooked. 

 

Common Health and Safety Risks During Ramadan Events 

Every event is different, but Ramadan gatherings often share similar risk factors due to timing, crowd size, and the nature of fasting. 

Here are common first aid and safety risks to consider: 

Dehydration, Dizziness, and Fatigue 

Evening gatherings may occur after a full day of fasting. Some attendees may experience dizziness, low energy, or dehydration — particularly older people, children, or individuals with underlying health conditions. 

Health information from the Better Health Channel notes that dehydration and low energy can contribute to weakness, fainting, and reduced concentration, especially in warm environments. 

Urine Colour: A Simple Hydration Check 

One practical way to monitor hydration is by assessing the colour of your urine. Healthdirect’s urine colour chart helps you gauge how well-hydrated you are — a simple, visual tool that can alert you to dehydration before symptoms worsen.  

Insert image of the Urine Colour Chart here (from Healthdirect).  

How to interpret the chart: 

• Levels 1–2: Pale or light yellow — you’re likely well hydrated.  

• Levels 3–4: Slightly darker yellow — mild dehydration; drink more fluids soon.  

• Levels 5–6: Medium-dark yellow — signs of dehydration; increase fluid intake.  

• Levels 7–8: Dark, strong-smelling urine in small amounts — often indicates significant dehydration; drink fluids immediately and consider medical advice if symptoms persist. 
   

 Note: Foods, vitamin supplements, and some medications can influence urine colour even if you’re hydrated. Use this chart as a guide, not a diagnosis.  

By checking your urine colour throughout the day, especially during fasting or after long periods without water. You can better prevent dizziness, fatigue, and other dehydration effects. 

 

 

Slips, Trips, and Falls 

Events that involve food service, temporary seating, cables, crowded walkways, and busy indoor spaces can increase the risk of minor injuries. 

Crowd-Related Incidents 

Large prayer gatherings and community dinners can create congestion at entry points, parking areas, and food distribution stations. Crowd movement can become more intense around sunset and after meals. 

Food Allergies and Medical Conditions 

Food sharing is a major part of Ramadan gatherings. If food is being served publicly, organisers should consider allergy risks, choking hazards, and the possibility of reactions to unfamiliar ingredients. 

 

Event Organisers Have a Duty of Care 

If you are organising a public gathering, festival, or community event, you have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure the event is safe for attendees. 

As outlined by WorkSafe Victoria, event organisers should identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls to protect workers, volunteers, and the public. This includes managing risks relating to crowds, traffic, access points, and emergency response planning. 

In other words: even if your event is community-based or non-profit, safety planning is still essential. 

 

How Much First Aid Coverage Does a Ramadan Event Need? 

The level of first aid required depends on factors such as: 

• number of attendees 

• venue layout and accessibility 

• indoor vs outdoor setting 

• weather conditions 

• crowd movement and traffic flow 

• the presence of children, elderly guests, or people with health conditions 

• event duration (short gathering vs extended festival) 

Some Councils provide practical guidance for organisers. For example, the Victorian the  Guidelines for Planning Safe Public Events recommends that organisers plan appropriate first aid services based on the nature and size of the event, and ensure qualified first aiders are available onsite. 

For medium to large gatherings, organisers should consider: 

• trained first aid staff onsite 

• clearly marked first aid stations 

• communication procedures for emergencies 

• access routes for emergency vehicles 

 

Why Licensed First Aid Services Matter (Not Just Volunteers) 

While volunteers play an important role in community events, medical response should not rely purely on informal support. 

First aid services may fall under requirements linked to licensing and regulation. Guidance is provided by the Victorian Department of Health, which outlines responsibilities relating to non-emergency patient transport and first aid service operations. 

Using a professional provider helps ensure: 

• qualified staff are present 

• correct equipment is available 

• incidents are handled appropriately and professionally 

• risk management is aligned with recognised event safety expectations 

 

First Aid Planning Checklist for Ramadan Gatherings 

If you are hosting an iftar dinner, mosque event, or community celebration, these are practical steps to include in your planning: 

Ensure First Aid Coverage Matches the Crowd Size 

A smaller gathering may require basic first aid support, while larger events may need multiple first aid staff and dedicated posts. 

If you are expecting high attendance, it may be wise to arrange professional first aid for events early, particularly during the final 10 nights of Ramadan and the lead-up to Eid. 

Plan for Clear Emergency Access Routes 

Ensure there are clear pathways for first aid teams to move through the venue, and consider ambulance access points if required. 

Consider Hydration and Recovery Areas 

Although fasting is part of Ramadan, after iftar the body can still experience fatigue, dehydration effects, or sudden changes in blood sugar levels. Having water access and rest areas available can support overall safety and wellbeing. 

Improve Visibility and Signage 

First aid stations should be clearly signed and easy to locate. Volunteers and staff should know exactly where first aid is located and how to contact the first aid team quickly. 

Prepare for High Traffic at Sunset 

Many attendees arrive close to iftar time. This can cause sudden crowd congestion in car parks, entry points, and dining areas. Consider traffic marshals, crowd flow planning, and lighting for evening events. 

 

Professional Event First Aid Support 

If you’re organising a Ramadan iftar, Eid celebration, charity dinner, or community festival, having trained medical support onsite helps protect attendees and ensures you are prepared for unexpected incidents. 

Emergency First Aid provides professional first aid for events in Victoria, supporting gatherings of all sizes — from small community dinners to large-scale public events. 

Professional event first aid coverage can assist with: 

• minor injuries and slips 

• fainting or dehydration-related incidents 

• crowd-related medical response 

• emergency escalation support where needed 

Having trained first aid staff onsite also provides peace of mind to organisers, volunteers, and families attending the event. 

 

Creating Safe and Welcoming Ramadan Events 

Ramadan gatherings are about unity, reflection, and community. With proper event planning, organisers can create an environment that is not only meaningful but also safe, compliant, and well prepared. 

By following safety guidance from WorkSafe Victoria, using event planning resources such as the Victorian the  Guidelines for Planning Safe Public Events, and aligning your planning with information provided by the Victorian Department of Health, organisers can improve safety outcomes and reduce avoidable risks. 

If you’re planning a Ramadan or Eid events, consider arranging professional event first aid coverage early, especially for high-attendance gatherings. 

 

 

Sources: 

WorkSafe Victoria. (n.d.). Event organiser roles and responsibilities. Retrieved from https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/  

WorkSafe Victoria. (n.d.). Managing health and safety: First aid. Safe Work Australia. Retrieved from https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/managing-health-and-safety/first-aid  

Victorian Department of Health. (n.d.). First aid services and event planning guidance. Retrieved from https://www.health.vic.gov.au/  

State of Victoria (Victoria Police). (2018). Victorian guidelines for planning safe public events (Edition 01). Victorian Government. https://content.police.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-05/Guidelines-for-Public-Events2018.pdf 

SBS Malay. (2024). Ramadan dan Eidul Fitri 2024: Panduan sambutan di Australia. Retrieved from https://www.sbs.com.au/language/malay/ms/article/ramadan-dan-eidul-fitri-2024-panduan-sambutan-di-australia/6bh1g1nb3  

Human Appeal Australia. (n.d.). Ramadan appeal. Retrieved from https://www.humanappeal.org.au/appeal/ramadan-appeal/  

Australian Islamic Medical Association. (n.d.). Exploring health strategies for Ramadan with Muslim healthcare professionals. Retrieved from https://aima.org.au/blog/2024/03/12/exploring-health-strategies-for-ramadan-with-muslim-healthcare-professionals/  

Australian Islamic Medical Association. (n.d.). Lifesavers (CPR and emergency response training). Retrieved from https://aima.org.au/lifesavers/  

Emergency First Aid. (n.d.). First aid for community events. Retrieved from https://emergency.com.au/first-aid-for-community-events/