The Caledonian Club of San Francisco welcomes you to its annual Scottish Highland Gathering & Games, where you can experience a rich celebration of Scottish heritage, traditions, culture, and friendship in one place.
With so much to see and do throughout the Fairgrounds, attendees may experience fatigue, dehydration, or other weather-related issues. To ensure prompt care when needed, Emergency Medical Services personnel are on standby within the Fairgrounds throughout the weekend. Even so, a little common sense and a bit of planning can help you stay safe, comfortable, and enjoy the entire weekend without mishap.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Do not rely on thirst alone, as it may not be a reliable indicator of your body's needs. Activity, sun, and warm weather increase fluid loss. Alcohol, sugary drinks, and caffeinated beverages can contribute to dehydration, so for every serving, drink two or three servings of water. Dehydration is the leading contributor to heat-related illness at the Games. If you are urinating infrequently or your urine is dark in color, drink more water.
Heat-related illness poses the greatest risk to older adults, young children, and people taking medications that affect how the body senses or responds to heat. Even on pleasantly warm, breezy days, you may not realize how much water your body is losing through evaporation. Feeling cooler does not mean you are staying hydrated; be sure to drink water regularly throughout the day.
You might run out of energy before you run out of things to do. Take time to rest, cool off, and enjoy refreshments. Consider extending your stay so you have the entire weekend to see and experience as much as you like.
Take a break during the hottest part of the day by eating, relaxing, or cooling off in an air-conditioned building or shaded area.
A good wide-brimmed hat can help keep you 10–15 degrees cooler, reduce glare so you can better enjoy the events, and keep sweat out of your eyes. Many attendees also find a personal misting fan or spray bottle helpful for staying cool on warm days.
Apply sunscreen generously and reapply it regularly to all exposed skin. Bring a lightweight cover-up or extra layer to protect yourself from the sun when needed.
Some medications can affect how your body responds to heat or regulates its temperature. These include certain antidepressants and other psychiatric medications, antihistamines, bladder and bowel control medications, and some blood pressure medications, which may lower blood pressure, increase fluid loss through urination, or reduce the heart's ability to respond to heat and exertion.
Bring any medications you may need, along with important medical information. Keep asthma inhalers and other "just-in-case" medications with you at all times.
If you experience faintness, dizziness, vision problems, unusual weakness, muscle cramps, changes in your heart rate or rhythm, confusion, or stop sweating while your skin becomes hot, red, and dry, seek medical attention immediately. These are serious warning signs of heat-related illness.
If you begin to feel ill, move to a shaded or cool area and ask for assistance. Any Caledonian Club member or volunteer, Security Officer, or Fairgrounds employee can contact Emergency Medical Services for you. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down immediately to avoid falling and injuring yourself. Onsite paramedics are available during regular event hours to evaluate your condition and provide appropriate care and guidance.
You are welcome to bring your own wheelchair or mobility scooter for use at the Fairgrounds. Please note that wheelchairs and mobility scooters are not available to rent on site. Be sure your device is fully charged before you arrive. While we are unable to provide repairs, if your wheelchair or scooter becomes inoperable, any Caledonian Club member or volunteer, Security Officer, or Fairgrounds employee can arrange transportation to return you to your vehicle.