Jāņi is one of the most eagerly awaited celebrations in Latvia. The summer solstice is most often spent among family and friends, out in nature and in high spirits. To help the festivities pass joyfully and without mishap, the insurance company “Gjensidige Latvia” offers advice on celebrating Jāņi safely.
Don't go gathering Midsummer flowers alone – you might get lost!
Gathering Midsummer flowers and greenery is an essential part of the tradition, but it is easy to get lost in large meadows or forests, especially in less familiar terrain. Be sensible and go looking for cornflowers and oak branches in the company of friends or family. If you do go alone, it is worth agreeing beforehand on what time you will be back. Make sure you have a charged smart device or a location tracking system with you, so that you can find your way back if need be.
If you do happen to get lost, it is important to stay calm. Inform the rescue services of the situation by calling 112. If during the call you have established that you are allowed to move about, look for power lines, a river or a railway nearby – following along them may well bring you to other people. Try to use your smart device only when necessary, to conserve battery power. If, on the other hand, a family member or friend has gone off into the forest and has not answered for a couple of hours, do not go looking for them on your own, as there is a high risk that you too will get lost. The safer option is to call 112 and let them take care of the rest.
Take care not only around the bonfire, but also while tucking in!
Jāņi is a celebration of merry togetherness – flower wreaths, songs, a bonfire or a barbecue, which also means plenty of food. On such an occasion it is worth remembering that eating while talking and moving about can lead to accidents. If someone starts to choke, encourage them to cough and to try to clear the obstruction themselves first. If that does not work, lean the person's upper body forward, give 5 blows between the shoulder blades and use the so-called Heimlich manoeuvre (press hard with your fist 5 times between their navel and chest). If necessary, continue, alternating between blows between the shoulder blades and the Heimlich manoeuvre. And if needed, of course, call the Emergency Medical Service (NMPD) on 113.
When you are near the bonfire, make sure the flames are not too high, avoid flammable substances and see to it that there are means of extinguishing the fire nearby, such as water or sand. The NMPD reports that the risk of burns at Jāņi is almost always elevated – last year 14 people suffered burns at bonfires during the celebrations. You can find out how to act in the event of burns and other injuries in the “How to help the casualty” section of the NMPD website: What to do in the event of injuries and accidents? | NMPD If you have not managed to refresh your knowledge of what to do in an accident beforehand, call 113 and the emergency line dispatcher will provide support and first aid advice during the call.
Never get behind the wheel after drinking!
Emergency service statistics show that alcohol consumption is one of the main reasons accidents happen during the celebrations. Last year, over the two days of the holiday, the State Police recorded 158 crashes, in which a total of 49 people were injured and 1 died. 42 drivers were driving under the influence of alcohol.
If you know you will need to travel during the celebrations, do not overestimate your abilities and do not drive while under the influence. Arrange a designated driver or plan your journey using public transport. Bear in mind that you are not alone and that you are also responsible for other road users. Keep an eye on those around you too and do not let them drive after drinking. And if you do spot someone who may be under the influence of alcohol and is out on the roads, inform the State Police immediately by calling 110.
Don't go into the sauna or swimming after a beer!
Jāņi is often associated with swimming or a trip to the sauna. To avoid tragic accidents, do not go into the sauna or go swimming while under the influence of alcohol! Impaired awareness and slower reactions are just a couple of the possible effects of drinking. It is important to realise that even familiar bodies of water may contain branches, nails or various debris, even if they were not there before. So be careful! Remember that anyone who has become overheated should not plunge straight into cold water. The State Fire and Rescue Service urges people to wear life jackets when relaxing by the water and not to behave recklessly.
Let us celebrate responsibly and enjoy Jāņi without worries! Have a merry celebration!
About ADB “Gjensidige”
The Latvian branch of ADB “Gjensidige” is a subsidiary of Norway's leading insurance company and is marking its 28th anniversary this year. “Gjensidige Latvia” is one of the top insurance companies in Latvia and offers all types of non-life insurance. “Gjensidige Latvia” offers consultations, quotes, claims submission and the purchase of all types of non-life insurance online (gjensidige.lv), as well as at 13 offices and customer service centres across Latvia.