The Directorate General of Public Health of the SCS has issued health recommendations for those participating in the pilgrimage to the Villa de Teror, aiming to ensure a safe and healthy enjoyment of the Fiestas del Pino. These guidelines are particularly aimed at pilgrims undertaking the walk to the Marian town.
Key recommendations include maintaining adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water before and during the journey, preferably from reusable bottles. Consumption of alcoholic, sugary, or caffeinated beverages is discouraged. For sun exposure, the use of a cap, sunglasses with UV protection, and sunscreen with a factor of 30 or higher is advised, reapplying every two hours. Seeking shade and avoiding walking between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM is also recommended.
Regarding attire, light, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing is recommended, along with comfortable, pre-worn footwear. For night walks or low visibility, carrying reflective elements is important. During the walk, participants are urged to adapt their pace, avoid overexertion, and take frequent breaks, paying attention to foot care.
Nutrition should be light, with easily transportable foods like fresh fruit or nuts. Carrying a small basic first-aid kit and lip balm is advisable. The importance of walking accompanied, following emergency service instructions, and keeping spaces clean is also highlighted.
The Directorate General of Public Health also warns about the signs of possible heatstroke: dizziness, severe headache, confusion, difficulty speaking, hot and dry skin, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, and high body temperature. If these symptoms occur, immediate help should be sought, moving the affected person to a cool place, loosening clothing, and refreshing them.
The Canary Health Service (SCS), through the Gran Canaria Primary Care Management, has reinforced the staff at the Teror Health Center to ensure the smooth running of the festivities and to address any health incidents. Services will be intensified with additional medical and nursing personnel, as well as security staff, between September 7th and 8th, and again on September 13th.
The Canary Emergency Service (SUC) will participate in the preventive operation. From the afternoon of September 7th, it will deploy a Rapid Intervention Vehicle (VIR) with a medical and nursing team for advanced pre-hospital care. On September 8th, a sanitized ambulance based in Moya will be stationed at the Teror Health Center to minimize response times.
Additionally, the SUC will reinforce the emergency room team with a resource manager and a health coordinator to assess help requests and provide instructions until medical resources arrive, ensuring an agile response to any emergency.
