Hi! I’m just looking for some advice regarding how people handle the security issue when going to events!
I have recently encountered problems at the last 2 gigs I went to, one regarding my pump and monitoring equipment the other regarding hypo treatment.
I know security has been tightened since what happened in Manchester last year and understand that staff need to be vigilant, but better training/ understanding needs to be undertaken for security staff and dealing with those of us who have hidden disabilities.
The first gig I went to, a member of staff almost didn’t let me enter the arena because of my pump and testing kit. I had to show them what it was as they didn’t believe me (despite having a visible tattoo on my wrist of T1 Diabetic in 6 languages). Eventually I was let in.
The second gig was last night and I was told that my 150ml can of lucozade ( which is great as it’s just over 12g CHO so you don’t need to waste any/ risk over treating) needed to be confiscated as it wasn’t allowed in the arena! Again at which point I informed them that I’m diabetic and it was my Hypo-treatment. I had to argue, but begrudgingly they said I could take it but had to hid it and if needed not drink it near security.
I now understand that because of a minority of people, bottles tops are taken off and cans aren’t allowed as they can be used as missiles and hurt people.
I carry glucotabs/ dextrose tablets with me but find that when you get into certain places they don’t allow you to take bottles in (I need a drink to clear my mouth of the chalkiness of the tablets) and have to buy drinks at over-inflated prices inside (£5 for a bottle of Coca-Cola in one place)
I love going and seeing my favourite artists but it’s beginning to feel like such a battle!
I have recently encountered problems at the last 2 gigs I went to, one regarding my pump and monitoring equipment the other regarding hypo treatment.
I know security has been tightened since what happened in Manchester last year and understand that staff need to be vigilant, but better training/ understanding needs to be undertaken for security staff and dealing with those of us who have hidden disabilities.
The first gig I went to, a member of staff almost didn’t let me enter the arena because of my pump and testing kit. I had to show them what it was as they didn’t believe me (despite having a visible tattoo on my wrist of T1 Diabetic in 6 languages). Eventually I was let in.
The second gig was last night and I was told that my 150ml can of lucozade ( which is great as it’s just over 12g CHO so you don’t need to waste any/ risk over treating) needed to be confiscated as it wasn’t allowed in the arena! Again at which point I informed them that I’m diabetic and it was my Hypo-treatment. I had to argue, but begrudgingly they said I could take it but had to hid it and if needed not drink it near security.
I now understand that because of a minority of people, bottles tops are taken off and cans aren’t allowed as they can be used as missiles and hurt people.
I carry glucotabs/ dextrose tablets with me but find that when you get into certain places they don’t allow you to take bottles in (I need a drink to clear my mouth of the chalkiness of the tablets) and have to buy drinks at over-inflated prices inside (£5 for a bottle of Coca-Cola in one place)
I love going and seeing my favourite artists but it’s beginning to feel like such a battle!