| Contents |
| Overview |
| Links |
The ONLY time one should leave a square during a dance is if you start to feel dizzy, or otherwise ill...don't walk out of a square even if the other dancers are not as proficient as you think they should be...we all were beginners at one time.
Note that the dances/festivals are NOT marathons...to see how long you can dance before you literally drop!! You have to have time to take restroom breaks, to eat, to relax, to fellowship, and of course, to sleep. The secret is to PACE YOURSELF. If you begin to feel light headed, etc., tell the other dancers in your square...and go off to the side to sit down and get your bearings together...usually a substitute dancer can take your spot, and the square can continue dancing, while you take care of yourself. Some people can dance for several hours without a break...others can only dance as little as one tip...only you can know how far you can go before you need a break.
It's a good idea to take along a windbreaker, in case the hall is chilly when you first get there...or if you choose to sit out for a time. You most likely will warm up after dancing a tip or two...but pace yourself by the temperature in the hall...if you start feeling chilled or too warm, chances are your body is telling you that it's time for a rest.
If you, or another dancer falls ill during a square dance, and cannot get off of the dance floor, the following steps can help summon aid quicker, and reduce the risk of further serious injury. If you suddenly feel nauseated, etc., get out of the square and to a restroom as fast as possible...your fellow dancers will understand...we've all been in that unpleasant situation at one time or another...even though you could joke that "the calling made you ill". (grin!)
1) When a dancer goes down, one other dancer in the square will attend to the injured dancer.
2) The other dancers will back up in a circle, to give the injured and attending dancer room and air.
3) The remaining dancers will lift their hands into an arch, known as the E)mergency C)all For M)edical A)id (ECMA) formation.
4) Upon seeing this, the caller or hall monitor will place an Emergency Call For Medical Aid...summoning paramedics, etc. If this does not occur, a dancer should run to the stage to alert the caller, or those in charge, so the proper authorities can be summoned as quickly as possible.
Although we don't like to think of it, everyone needs to be prepared to deal with an emergency situation, should one develop. Being an Amateur Radio operator, and having experience in emergency communications situations, I know how vital it is to quicky summon help. I usually will have my amateur radio handi-talkie with me, and if needed, I can get on a repeater, and issue a distress call, asking for help, saying that I have Emergency Traffic...which includes the safety of human life, and/or the protection of property, according to the FCC. I was in such a situation at a recent National Square Dance Convention. Even though it was rewarding, I must admit it was quite stressful.
Also, when you check into your hotel/motel at a square dance festival, or at the National Square Dance Convention, you should follow these rules to better improve your chances of survival, should there be a fire at your hotel during your stay. It is advised to NOT smoke in bed...fires started by smokers in bed spread quickly, due to the flammable nature of the mattresses, etc...and you can lose your life this way!!
1) When you check into your room, find out EXACTLY where the Fire Exits are located.
2) Know where your room key is at ALL TIMES. You may have to return to your room if the halls are filled with smoke.
3) At the first hint of the smell of smoke, call the Fire Department. Tell them your hotel and room number, then call the front desk.
4) Feel the doorknob. If it is HOT, DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR!! If it isn't, peek outside. If it is not too smoky, go to the fire exit. Keep a wet towel over your face. If it gets too smoky, turn around, and go all the way up to the roof. Fireman will rescue you there.
5) If you are forced to stay in your room, DO NOT break the window. You will need to close it if there is smoke outside.
6) Fill the bathtub with water. Wet the towels and sheets, and shove them around the door. Block all air vents with wet towels and sheets. If the walls are hot, use the ice bucket to throw as much water on the wall as you can.
7) Above all, keep fighting. Don't quit. The longer you stay conscious, the better your chances for survival.